An amazing 250,000 pumpkins and squashes have been grown at a Hoo farm ready for Halloween.

The popular PYO event at Beluncle Farm, now one of the biggest in the UK, opens for 2016 tomorrow (Saturday). More than 50,000 pumpkin pickers are expected throughout October.

The event began in 2010 when the Batchelor family was left with a surplus of pumpkins they had grown for themselves.

The couple’s four children invited their friends to pick their own and the event was a huge success.

It was around this time that their son Luke was diagnosed with Crohn’s, so proceeds from that year were donated to Crohn’s and Colitis UK (CCUK).

The following year pumpkins were deliberately planted, the event was advertised locally and families came in droves. Year on year, the event has snowballed and the Batchelors continue to make a donation to CCUK and to Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA).

Farmer Mark Batchelor said: “We have planted even more pumpkins this year to meet demand. We have also increased our wheelbarrow fleet to more than 300 to help pumpkin pickers in their hunt.”

A huge variety of pumpkins and squashes will be available. Some, like the traditional orange globes, are ideal for carving, while varieties such as Crown Prince and Onion are more suited to eating. Pink, blue, white, green, yellow and multi-coloured varieties will all be on offer.

Pickers can choose whatever size they like – from mini pumpkins the size of a tennis ball to a huge beach ball-size variety. Prices start from £1, with most pumpkins costing £4 or less.

Farmer’s wife Verity Batchelor said: “Families relish the chance to visit a working farm and walk the fields where the pumpkins have grown.

"It’s become a Halloween tradition for hundreds of local families. We advise people to wear wellies or boots. Gloves are a good idea, too, as the stalks can be prickly. And strong bags make the pumpkins easier and cleaner to carry back to the car and home.”

The farm will be open from 10am to 4pm tomorrow and Sunday, and at the same times next weekend. For future opening times, visit www.pyopumpkins.com