A DORSET pumpkin trail event has taken Facebook by storm since its inception two weeks ago.

The Great Dorset Pumpkin Trail group was set up by Bev Clarke, a youth support worker from Poole, after she saw a similar idea circulating on Facebook.

Rather than go trick-or-treating this year, the trail is encouraging children and adults to hunt for pumpkins in Dorset during October half term.

The pumpkins can be real, fake or pictures printed in windows, but the objective is to find as many as possible during the week.

Once a pumpkin has been spotted, a parent or guardian will provide a sweet treat to their child or children.

The group now boasts over 14,000 members which Bev did not expect.

She said: "I decided to set up this group so I could do this trail with my friends and fellow mums in Poole. I thought, 'it is something for our kids to do this year for Hallowe'en.'

"In under 24 hours, the group became The Great Dorset Pumpkin Trail and had over 600 members. There is a constant stream of people joining – it has been crazy."

The intention is to have houses decorated from the first Saturday of October half term, enabling children and adults to hunt for pumpkins throughout the week, with prizes on offer.

Bev said: "Competitions are being held every weekend in the run up to half term as well as every day during the half term week. Great prizes have been donated by local companies such as Dancing Daisy and Jamie Jigsaw."

Excitement has been evident within the group as Hallowe'en creeps closer, but there has also been a great sense of community.

Bev said: "It’s a good community group now. People have already asked what is going to be done for Christmas but I’m just going to let it run and see what happens."

To join the pumpkin trail group and to take part in the event, visit The Great Dorset Pumpkin Trail on Facebook.