FAMILIES are invited to go pumpkin picking and meet some animals at a farm near Dorchester ahead of Halloween.

Dewflock Farm at Winterborne Monkton off the A354 Weymouth to Dorchester road is opening its gates this October.

Verity Bamlet from the farm said: "As well as lots of pumpkins to choose from out in the field, in our barn there's a straw play area, bouncy castle, face painting as well as our lovely lambs always keen for cuddles. Whilst here why not take the opportunity to carve your chosen pumpkin and throw the lovely squishy, flesh at our pigs who will love it! We even have carving kits available to purchase so no mess at home this year."

In addition, the very popular 'Mini Landies; will be available for young drivers to have a go - perfect for those aged between 4 and 10 years old.

The Pig Shed pop-up café will be open for coffee and cakes and the farm's wood-fired pizza oven will be ready for either eat ins or takeaway.

Pre booked tickets are for a two-hour slot over the weekends of October 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24. There's plenty of parking on site.

For tickets see Pumpkin Picking at Dewflock, Dorchester on Eventbrite and follow the link on the site's Facebook page.