THOUSANDS of people preparing for Hallowe'en are expected to descend on a garden centre to pick their own pumpkins next month.

Ed Plaister and Olivia Roche have spent months preparing their Pumpkin Patch in a field at Sanders Garden Centre, on the Bristol Road, Burnham-on-Sea.

Their Pumpkin Patch mirrors a craze that has been sweeping the UK in recent years after being imported from America.

The couple planted 60,000 seeds at the end of May and have been tending them ever since.

Olivia's sister, Grace Roche, from Stoke St Gregory, said: "People pick their own pumpkins and the amount they pay depends on the size.

"It's a family business and the Pumpkin Patch has been going for a couple of years.

"The first year we did it we had 40,000 pumpkins, but ran out it was so popular.

"It's a chance to put on your wellies and pull out a wheelbarrow and to enjoy the outdoors. It's very popular "

The Pumpkin Patch opens on Saturday, October 1 and will be open every weekend throughout the month, and also every day during the school half term.

Pumpkin pickers love uploading their pictures on Instagram.

The Pumpkin Patch has attracted many people from Bristo and Grace is hoping to attract many pickers from the Taunton area this year.

As well as being able to pick pumpkins of all colours and sizes, the site offers refreshments from a trailer surrounded by hay bales.

Customers can also buy kits and tea lights.