Demelza Hospice's Halloween Pumpkin Hunt for October half term

A Kent children's charity is offering families a 'safe way' to take small children trick or treating this year.

Demelza Hospice Care for Children has released tickets for Halloween Pumpkin Hunts which are taking place across the county.

Events will take place on Thursday, October 24 in Sevenoaks and Rochester and in Tenterden, West Malling, Whitstable and Gravesend on Friday, October 25.

At each hunt pumpkins will be put on display within various shops and at local landmarks and children will need to hunt for them whilst picking up treats from shops and businesses along the way.

Fancy dress is encouraged - with prizes up for grabs for the best Halloween costumes in each location.

Whilst promising 'frightfully good fun' for the October half term holiday, the charity said the events, taking place during the day, provide the perfect opportunity to allow small children to try the Halloween tradition of trick or treating.

Tamsyn Clark, Demelza’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, said: "This is a lovely family event - which we promise is not scary at all.

"It will be lots of family fun and a great way to entertain your children during October half term and a safe way to take your children trick or treating, with less tricks and more treats. The event will raise much needed funds for Demelza as well.”

The Halloween Pumpkin Hunt takes approximately one hour to complete and is open to children aged three to 11. It costs £5 per child and each child's place includes two accompanying adults free of charge. All money raised will be donated to the Sittingbourne-based charity.

Tickets are on sale for events now and expected to sell quickly say organisers. To buy yours click here.

• For a complete round-up of family-friendly Halloween events taking place across Kent please click here.