Patrick Cremins, Diane Kirkman, Education Administration of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, and Sandra Cremins with their giant pumpkin.

With Hallowe'en just around the corner, the hunt is on to find the best carved pumpkin for a new children's competition at the Countryside Live Food and Farming Fair on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October.

Youngsters from across the region are being invited to bring their carved pumpkins for the contest which will be judged as part of the annual farming and country showcase at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

Taking centre stage will be the giant pumpkin grown by Patrick and Sandra Cremins of Starbeck, Harrogate who have kindly donated the 8 stone monster for display within the Education Area in Hall 1 where the competition takes place.

Nigel Pulling Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, organisers of the event said: “Countryside Live is a mix of the best of farming and countryside and it's a fun day out for all ages. The Education Area is an important part of the show and we thought, with the timing of the event, a pumpkin competition would make perfect sense. Hopefully we'll have lots of entries!”

Entries can be brought to the Society's offices from Wednesday 26 October, or to the Education Area, stand no 4G at the event itself. There is a £25 book token as first prize, £15 for 2nd and £10 for third place.

Also in the Education Area, youngsters will be rolling up their sleeves to have a go at bread making, milking Glenys the replica cow, making corn dollies and badges and learning more about the importance of eating healthily - the 5 a Day campaign will be featured. There will also be opportunities to find out how bees make different types of honey, see hurdles and wooden flowers being made and get an alternative perspective on life - looking at mini beasts through the microscope.

Elsewhere at the event there is a thrilling display by the Xtreme Motorcycle Display team, quad bike and dodgem rides, dozens of stands, the popular cookery theatre, the Yorkshire Tug of War Championships, plus cattle and sheep competing in the livestock classes. The Yorkshire Woodfair makes a welcome return and there is a Pigeon Show on Saturday and Poultry Show on Sunday.

Tickets cost £7 on the gate for adults or £6 if booked before 21 October; concessions are £6 and £5 in advance. Children and Yorkshire Agricultural Society members are admitted free. For further information and tickets ring 01423 541222 or see the web site www.countrysidelive.co.uk. The gates open at 9.30am each day.

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