FAMILIES got into the Halloween spirit in The Shires on Tuesday morning as they carved their own scary and spooky pumpkins.

The Trowbridge shopping centre held the free pumpkin carving session as part of several Halloween themed activities taking place at the centre over the half term.

Children of all ages got involved in carving their own Halloween faces, with free carving packs which wee given out on the day.

Lizzie Magill, Trowbridge mum-of-two said: “The pumpkin carving here in The Shires is really a great idea.

“Its so good to have free activities like this during half term, especially for those who don’t have access to a vehicle and can just walk into town.

“We didn’t actually know it was here until we were passing through and thought it looked like great fun.”

Eight-year-olds William Watters and Charlie Barrow were getting stuck in to the pumpkin carving.

William said: “It’s so sticky but it is so much fun.

“It was quite hard to cut the pumpkin but I love scrapping the seeds out and getting messy.”

Jo Salter brought her children and friends aged 4 to 8 to get into the Halloween spirit.

She said: “The kids are having great fun, they really enjoyed being able to carve their own pumpkins.

“Having events on like this during half term gives them something to do which is great.”

Angelika West and friends Bella Cole and Abigail Elgin also took advtange of the free half term activity.

She said: "Its fun to have something like this to do while we are on half term.

"We are having fun and getting ready to celebrate Halloween."

Other free activities held at the The Shires Shopping Centre over the October half term included balloon modelling, face painting, fancy dress competitions, bouncy castle and circus skills sessions.