WITCHES, spiders, vampires and even a little pumpkin had a scream at a spooktacularly good Halloween event on Saturday.

Visitors flocked to Upton Country Park for a host of haunting activities, from pumpkin carving to a scavenger hunt.

Hundreds attended the event, aimed at children aged between two and 10 years old.

Organiser Emma Harvey said: "There has been a pumpkin parade for the last few years, but this year Halloween has fallen on a weekend, so we thought we'd really make the most of it.

"There are lots of things for our visitors to do, including biscuit decorating and the scavenger hunt."

Those hoping an owl will be bringing a letter from Hogwarts for them one day were given the opportunity to make their own 'willow wand' using materials from the country park.

And youngsters also raced around the grounds picking up items to build their own skeletons.

One highlight was the judging of a pumpkin carving competition, while visitors also enjoyed taking turns on a bouncy castle.

Emma said: "Lots of our visitors are wearing fancy dress, which is wonderful.

"There's plenty of things for little ones and their parents to do all day. I'm really pleased - the turnout is fantastic and we've been so lucky with the weather too."

Visitors were treated to live entertainment as part of the event.

But with October now over, thoughts are turning to the festive season.

"It's been wonderful, but there's more to come this December," said Emma.

"Our spectacular Christmas grotto will open on Wednesday, November 14, and open daily until Christmas Eve."

Wimborne was transformed into a 'Carnival of Chaos' on Saturday as jugglers, fire eats and zombies took over the town.

The event also featured an interactive 'scare walk' through the streets.

Young spooks enjoyed a fancy dress competition at Monkey World in Purbeck, with free entry to the park for all children and adults taking part, while Brownsea Island saw guests at the Villano Cafe entertained by a spooky Halloween dinner from 3pm, led by storyteller Michele O’Brien.