PYO Pumpkin slots for Beluncle Farm in Stoke Road, Hoo available from Friday, September 18

Families wishing to pick pumpkins at one of Kent's most popular sites will need to pre-book their visit this year.

PYO Pumpkins in Hoo is opening with pre-booked appointments ahead of Halloween to ensure it can provide a safe environment for both visitors and staff this autumn.

In a message on the site's facebook page, which is followed by close to 20,000 people, it says it is making some changes to the way visits are run this year.

The site at Beluncle Farm in Stoke Road says booking is essential for families looking to come down and grab some of its vast array of pumpkins and squashes.

Those without a pre-arranged entry ticket will not be able to enter, it adds.

PYO Pumpkins will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from October 10 alongside half term between Friday, October 23 to Saturday, October 31.

Booking slots are being released from Friday (September 18).

The post reads: "We have looked at government guidance in relation to COVID and we want to provide a safe environment to allow you to pick and choose your pumpkins and squash safely.

"We are encouraging social distancing and minimal contact and have decided to introduce a fixed price per wheelbarrow."

As well as pre-arranged dates and times, organisers are also reminding visitors to still check before leaving home for both weather and updates to guidelines related to coronavirus.

To follow updates and be first with details about the release of pre-booked slots visit the sites's PYO Pumpkins facebook page or visit www.pyopumpkins.com