A COMMUNITY organisation is encouraging everyone to find new ways to take part in Halloween during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 1st Helmsley Scout Group is asking individuals and businesses in Helmsley to get behind the Halloween Pumpkin Trail.

The scouting organisation is encouraging people to put drawings, paintings, pumpkin carving and spooky decorations in windows and doorways during the half-term holiday, from October 26 to November 1.

Organisers wanted to think of a way Halloween could still be enjoyed by families in Helmsley during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Sadly, a traditional door-to-door trick or treating cannot be done this Halloween,” said Fran Evans from the 1st Helmsley Scout Group.

“As everyone loved painting rainbows and creating some amazing window displays over lockdown, we thought let us do the same with for Halloween 2020.

“So, we are asking children and adults to draw, decorate or otherwise create a pumpkin for display in a window or garden, and families can see how many pumpkins they can spot.”

With Halloween taking place on Saturday, October 31, parents are wondering if their children will be able to take part in the annual custom.

Trick-or-treating is a traditional Halloween custom for individuals to dress up and travel from house to house, asking for treats with the phrase “trick or treat.”

With the government implementing the “rule of six” restriction and the coronavirus rate spiking across the UK, many individuals and organisations are thinking of a socially-distanced alternative

“It seems like lots of the stuff we enjoy is having to be cancelled or changed because of the pandemic,” added Lynn Hempsall, from Helmsley Traditional Sweetshop.

“We have encouraged members of the Helmsley in Business group to get involved, and hopefully lots of residents will too.

“It’s a great idea from the scouts, so children in the town can still safely take part in Halloween and do something fun.”