WANDS, potions, wizards and all things Halloween have arrived at a new pumpkin patch in the Hampshire countryside.
A large field in Park Lane, between Droxford and Swanmore, has been transformed into the activity-packed pumpkin patch which opened on Saturday, October 14.
The event, which took place on October 14 and 15, and then will return every day of the half-term holiday, from October 21 until October 29, from 10am until 4pm daily, is the brainchild of farmer Chris Horn and his wife Laura.
Chris's family have farmed land in the Meon Valley since 1605. He bought Lycroft Farm and its associated business units six years ago - and thought that now would be a good time to diversify into holding events.
The pumpkin patch was a great success on its first day, and Chris said he was pleased to see so many people enjoying themselves.
He said: "We had an idea of what we wanted to do and like all farmers, we wanted to diversify and try something different.
"Halloween seems to be becoming more popular, following American trends, so we thought we would try it out.
"We have been to other pumpkin patches, but we wanted this to be more natural and fun, not flashing lights and fun fair rides, just wholesome countryside fun.
"We have been really happy to see so many local families enjoying themselves on our first day. We have seen local people come up to help, and in turn, we have been supporting local businesses like Winchester Coffee Roasters and Hoxton's Bakery too, it's been a great local effort to do something that hopefully everybody can enjoy."
Chris and Laura have also had help from their children Ruby, 10, and Ottilie, five, who were busy joining in the crafts and making sure the sheep were well looked after.
The field has a large area laid out with pumpkins, which the farm has had to buy in from a friend's farm in Norfolk as they did not have time to grow their own. However, if the patch is a success this year, the couple say they will look at planting their own crop.
That did not stop the enjoyment of the patch, with children taking pleasure from running around the field, picking pumpkins to buy, as well as looking at the spooky art creations.
An old chicken shed has been converted into a cafe, crafts barn and cinema area. Children can make potions and wands, colour in, and sit on hay bales to watch Coco on a large screen, while the adults can enjoy coffee, cakes and pizza.
The patch has a face-painting
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Gillian and Jon Hollis, from Durley, were there with their two-year-old grandson Arthur Purnell.
Gillian said: "We think it is brilliant. When our two children were young there was nothing like this, we think it's great."
Heather Gambie, from Droxford, was enjoying the pumpkin patch with her children William, one, and Harry, scene.
She said: "We love it, there is lots for the kids to do. It has been brilliant."
Entrance to Droxford Pumpkin Patch is £5 per person, with under twos free.
The broomstick academy costs £10 per child and must be booked separately. Facepainting costs £6.
For more go to droxfordpumpkinpatch.com
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