A Cumbrian farm park has seen a bumper crop of pumpkins this year despite a UK wide shortage.
Walby Farm Park owners Neil and Kate Milbourn said they have been extremely lucky and are now preparing to open their four acre pumpkin patch to visitors.
Soaring temperatures across the UK this summer have caused the orange fruit, most commonly used for Jack-o-lanterns, to ripen earlier than usual, which has had an impact on the quality and the numbers of pumpkins that have grown.
The low numbers have led to fears of pumpkin shortages for autumn and Halloween festivities.
Farmer Neil Milbourn said: “We have heard many reports from other farm attractions across the UK who have significantly less pumpkins this year as a result of the heatwave and soaring temperatures. However, we have been lucky to still get our fair share of rain in Cumbria, so our pumpkin patch is looking extremely fruitful and ready for visitors.”
Visitors are welcome to explore the pumpkin patch from the October 1 and pick their own pumpkins.
The patch has hundreds of pumpkins, big and small, ready to be picked in time for Halloween celebrations and will be open every day until October 31.
Tickets must be booked in advance and every paying child will be able to pick a free pumpkin.
