Social distancing rules and a booking system have been put in place to ensure that Halloween events can still go ahead at one local Ashford farm.

The Pick Your Own Pumpkin farm in Sevington will be welcoming families back starting from 16 October to pick their own pumpkins in preparation for Halloween.

Coronavirus has made it harder for businesses to operate in recent months and a very tactile activity difficult for the staff to manage.

Jemma Thompson, manager at the farm on Cheesman’s Green, has ensured customers that there are safeguards in place: “We have had to put in a booking system, limit the number of people on site at any time and also a cleaning routine.

“Thankfully we are based outside, so we know there is plenty of room to keep everyone distanced.”

Most Halloween events across the UK have been cancelled due to the ever-changing nature of Covid restrictions, which has created further challenges for local businesses.

“Things are changing very quickly and we hope that we are able to continue unless we go into lockdown”, Jemma Thompson said.

The farm is remaining confident, saying: “There is always next year. Dust yourself off and hope that next year is better”.