As Halloween approaches, residents are coming up with creative ways to enjoy the season of scares while staying Covid-aware

Villagers in Little Thirkleby near Thirsk decided to create a pumpkin trail where families decorate pumpkins and leave them on display outside their house for others to find.

Heidi Bielby and her two young children Elise and Harry have put extra effort into decorating their pumpkins this year.

She said: “We heard about alternative, safe ways to enjoy Halloween so the village came on board. Our pumpkin trail means we can still celebrate Halloween as a community and in the safest way possible.

“Elise and Harry come up with a different design for their pumpkin each year. They’re both into arts and crafts at home and love making things. With the ongoing pandemic they chose to do rainbow painted pumpkins to pay tribute to the NHS.

“Covid-19 means they can’t go trick or treating as usual so the pumpkin spotting game seemed a great alternative and has kept us all busy during the school holidays. They’re looking forward to seeing what their friends in the village have done and counting them as they go.”

As concerns continue about rising Covid-19 infection rates across the county, children and families are being urged to enjoy alternatives to traditional trick or treating on 31 October.

Richard Flinton, Chair of the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum (NYLRF), which brings together councils, emergency services and health organisations to tackle the pandemic, said: “The activities organised by residents of Little Thirkleby are a great example of what can be enjoyed safely this Halloween.

“It is a hugely popular time of year for children and families and we want people to be able to enjoy themselves. From taking part in virtual activities with your friends to carving a pumpkin with your family, there are lots of fun-filled things to do while staying Covid safe.”

Keep up to date with Covid-19 guidance and news in North Yorkshire.