Pupils' pumpkins are top of the shocks

Pupils from a Shrewsbury Primary School put their creative skills to the test recently with a pumpkin carving competition sponsored by housebuilder Barratt Mercia, just in time for Halloween.

In pairs, around 40 nine, 10 and 11 year olds from Crowmoor Primary School on Crowmere Road carved the creepiest pumpkin faces they could as decorations for a Halloween party at Barratt's nearby Ellesmere Grange development. In the process the first, second and third best pumpkins earned their creators book tokens.

The three prizes of £5, £10 and £15 were awarded to:

Winners - Katie Payne and Jessica Melvill

Second - Jenessa Turnbull and Tempany Jones

Third - Robbie Beadles and Adrian Griffiths

Alan Parkhurst, Head Teacher at Crowmoor Primary School said, "The children had great fun carving the pumpkins during their PSE class and after school gardening club. It was a great opportunity for all the children to develop their creative talents as a Silver Arts Mark award wining school Crowmoor strives to put art and creative experiences at the forefront of the curriculum.

"I know they can't wait to see their lanterns on display over Halloween."

Chris Ashmore, Sales Director for Barratt Mercia added, "We endeavour to get involved with the local community wherever we build and with this in mind we chose to host a Halloween party at Ellesmere Grange and invite the local school children to help prepare the decorations.

The event will also mark the opening of two new show homes at the development. Ellesmere Grange is located off Castle Foregate and comprises a collection of two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom houses.

The spooky squashes will be on display during the party at Ellesmere Grange on Friday 31st November between 4pm and 7pm. Potential homebuyers and local people are all invited to attend to enjoy free Halloween treats such as toffee apples, glow sticks and hot jacket potatoes.

Ellesmere Grange is situated on Ellesmere Road, within walking distance of Shrewsbury town centre, which benefits from a range of high street shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. The M54 and M6 are also close by meaning Birmingham to the south and Chester city centre to the north are both just an hour away by car. Shrewsbury railway station, located at the heart of the town makes commuting into Birmingham and Wolverhampton fast and easy.

Prices start from £145,300. For more information log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.