YOUNGSTERS at a Greenock nursery have been enjoying a fang-tastic time in their very own pumpkin patch - with some very special help from their friends.

The team at Aileymill Nursery worked round the clock to complete the treat in the playground in time for Halloween and send all the youngsters home with a spooky squash carve.

Farmer Cathy Flanagan of Dyke Foot Cottage stepped in with bales of hay, and thanks to donations from Lorella Sutherland, community champion at Tesco's Greenock supermarket, they were able to provide more than 60 pumpkins just in time.

Pumpkin patches have sprouted in locations across Scotland in recent years, but the Aileymill staff said they were determined to create one closer to home for local children as the spooky season gathered pace.

Aileymill NurseryAileymill Nursery (Image: George Munro) Aileymill NurseryAileymill Nursery (Image: George Munro)

Deputy head Kay Anderson said: "It was our first pumpkin patch and the children had the most fantastic time. They absolutely loved it.

"They all got a chance to pick a pumpkin and take it home as well as taking part in all the activities we set up.

"The staff had a great time setting it all up as well.

"Pumpkin patches are so popular and part of Halloween now, but not everyone gets to go to one. They can be expensive and hard to get to if you don't have transport.

"We wanted to make sure that no one missed out. One of members of staff came up with the idea and they all worked together to make it happen."

Aileymill NurseryAileymill Nursery (Image: George Munro) Aileymill NurseryAileymill Nursery (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro)

On the day all the children had some fun in the patch picking the best pumpkin to turn into ghosts, ghouls and scary faces in time for Galoshans on Thursday night.

Kay added: "We would never have been able to do it without Cathy from Dyke Foot Cottage donating the hay bales or Tesco Greenock donating all the pumpkins. They have made so many children very happy."

The Tele was on hand to catch all the action as children played in the hay and picked out their favourite spooky pumpkin.

Kay added: "Halloween is a fantastic time in the nursery. We also organised lots of activities alongside the pumpkin patch for the children to take part in."

As part of the celebrations Aileymill Nursery children were also able to dress up in their costumes for parties taking place today.