IT IS almost the time of year when families scour the land for the perfect pumpkin ahead of Hallowe'en.

In the 19th century, when a lot of Irish immigrated to the United States, they brought the Halloween tradition of using vegetables to scare the spirits away. In America, the Irish discovered a new vegetable, the pumpkin, which is harvested in the autumn, and began using it to scare the evil spirits.

These traditions were adopted across Britain and nowadays picking the perfect pumpkin is part of British life.

Llynclys Hall Farm Shop, near Oswestry

Llynclys Hall Farm is well known in the Oswestry area for our pumpkins – in fact people often call us the Pumpkin Farm.

A spokesman said: "That’s because we grow literally thousands of pumpkins every year, of all shapes, sizes and varieties.

"In fact we’re the largest pumpkin growers in the area and we can supply all shapes and sizes. We also grow summer squash, winter squash and gourds.

"We also sell everything you need to carve your pumpkin for Hallowe'en.

Llynclys Hall Farm is open on Saturday, October 8 for pick your own pumpkins.

Border Counties Advertizer: Pumpkin festival - NICK MAILER

Pumpkins. Picture by Nick Mailer.

Winston Farm, Ellesmere

Open every weekend throughout October.

The pumpkin patch at Winston Farm has plenty of pumpkins in a variety of sizes. Pumpkins at Winston Farm are all home grown ready to be carved for the spooky season with all sizes available it’s great for children and a family day out.

OTHER NEWS:

Park Hall Pumpkinfest, near Oswestry

Pumpkinfest starts on October 14 with a host of Halloween fun that won’t terrify the little ones.

There will be a Free pumpkin for every paying child to choose and take home.

For members there is a small charge for the pumpkin.

Grown ups can help scoop out the pumpkin then can carve your very own design.

A giant scarecrow trail in the woods, the Little Scary House for braver visitors and Pumpkin Alley will have a few new surprises for visitors

The Singing Pumpkins are always a laugh and a definite favourite.

Northwood Pumpkin Patch

Northwood Pumpkin Patch and the Witches Village open daily from October 1 from 10am to 4pm.

No booking is required and there will be free entry for all with thousands of pumpkins to choose from with prices from just £1.

The patch is dog friendly but please keep on short leads and clear up after any accidents.

On October 15th and 16th the popular food and craft fair will welcome more than 40 traders.