Local children and families enjoyed some Halloween fun when they took part in the Demelza Hospice Care for Children Pumpkin Hunt events in Blackheath and Chislehurst.

On October 24 and 25 children dressed up in spooky outfits for the event, with costumes including witches, wizards, pumpkins and monsters.

Blackheath saw 200 children attend, starting the hunt at The Brockley Deli at the Conservatoire, while Chislehurst welcomed nearly 600 children at the registration desk in the gardens at Age UK.

Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Tamsyn Clark said: “We were delighted that we had so many children and families come along, despite the wet weather at the Blackheath Pumpkin Hunt. We had some fantastic costumes including some dogs and an amazingly well decorated buggy at the Chislehurst event.

“We had some great feedback from the shops who took part in both events, with some of the shops going all out with their Halloween decorations and their own fancy dress.

"We’d like to say thank you to all who supported the event including our lead sponsor in both Blackheath and Chislehurst – Go Travel, as well as supporting sponsors JDM Estate Agents and My Mailing Room in Blackheath and Chislehurst Chiropractic Clinic and Cannon Cars in Chislehurst.”

Pumpkins were on display with various retailers and at local landmarks and children were required to hunt for them around their local town while picking up treats from shops and businesses along the way. Those taking part were given Pumpkin Passports to get stamped and were given treats at stops along the route.

Demelza also held pumpkin hunt events in Whitstable, West Malling, Gravesend, Sevenoaks, Rochester, Tenterden and Hailsham to coincide with half term.

The best Halloween costume in each location won a prize and winners from each town will now be judged against each other for the chance of winning a £250 John Lewis voucher, kindly donated by one of Demelza’s corporate partners Active International.

The event raised funds for the charity which provides specialist care and emotional support for children with terminal conditions and their loved ones throughout South East London, Kent and East Sussex.

Find out more about Demelza at www.demelza.org.uk, follow the charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/demelzahospice or @demelzahospice on Twitter.