With spooky season soon to be underway, a farm near Penkridge has launched a new and improved pumpkin picking experience for locals to enjoy.

Lower Drayton Farm is celebrating its tenth year of growing pumpkins with an expanded programme of autumn activities.

On Saturday (26 September), the patch welcomed visitors for the first time this season giving people the chance to take a wheelbarrow and choose their own pumpkins straight from the field in which they were grown.

There is also the opportunity to pick farm-fresh vegetables including potatoes, beetroot, parsnips and carrots.

An all-new carving barn means customers can carve pumpkins on-site and leave the mess behind.

The daytime event will be open 3-4 October; 10-11 October; and daily from 17–31 October.

We are Staffordshire said: "A revamped ticketing structure gives visitors more choice, with entry starting from £6 per person, alongside options including pumpkins and small or large bags to fill with freshly picked vegetables.

"For those who fancy experiencing the patch after sunset, three special Pumpkins After Dark evenings will run from 5pm–10pm on Fridays 16, 23 and 30 October.

"The family-friendly evenings – also designed to appeal to grown-up groups – will combine pumpkin picking and carving with fairground rides, a licensed bar, hot food, s'mores, doughnuts and live entertainment.

"Oasis tribute The Definitely Maybe's will perform on 16 October; TJDJ will entertain crowds on 23 October; while Charl Watson Music and Beth Tudor will perform on 30 October.

"From Saturday 24 October, the event will take on an extra spooky twist for the school holidays, with family-friendly activities including Witch School, pumpkin games and bouncy pillows, alongside pumpkin picking, carving and seasonal photo opportunities – all included within the Pumpkins ticket."

On Halloween (31 October) itself, four-legged friends will be welcome as the farm hosts its special 'Pupkin Patch' day.

Farmer Richard Bower, who runs Lower Drayton Farm alongside his father Ray, said:

"This year marks 10 years since we grew our first pumpkin crop, so it felt like the perfect time to give the event a refresh.

"We wanted to bring it back to what we're all about as a working farm – getting people out into the fields, closer to where their food is grown and enjoying the countryside.

"As well as picking pumpkins straight from the patch, visitors can opt to pick a fantastic range of farm-fresh vegetables too, which makes our event a little different.

"With our new indoor events and carving barn giving us even more scope for activities whatever the weather, we're really excited to celebrate everything that's great about autumn on the farm."

Book tickets in advance here