THE Co-operative is challenging children in Pickering to produce petrifying pumpkins and trick or treat outfits for Halloween.

Youngsters aged from three to 11 are being invited to enter a Halloween and Pumpkin competition being hosted at The Co-operative’s food store in Eastgate. The town’s mayor, Councillor Jo Andrews, will judge the most creative pumpkin or swede, and also the best-dressed trick or treaters on Friday.

Entrants should arrive in store for 6pm, with judging at 6.30pm, and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places.

Store staff will also enter into the spirit of the ghoulish proceedings by dressing up in creepy costumes and handing out sweets to local trick or treaters.