Children enjoyed an afternoon of pumpkin carving at East Riddlesden Hall as a half-term treat this week.

About 80 pumpkins were carved at the family event which also saw children making witches, wizards, owl and cat masks.

The event, between 2 and 4pm was led by Margaret Holmes and three other volunteers.

Children from three upwards took part and some were accompanied by their grandparents, making it a real family afternoon.

There will be spooky story telling at East Riddlesden Hall barn on Sunday, between 2 and 4pm.

It costs £3.60 for adults, £1.80 per child and £9 for a family ticket. The event is free for National Trust members.

l An annual village bonfire has been scrapped due to soaring insurance costs.

Organisers of the Keighley New Church community bonfire, at Braithwaite village, have cancelled the November 2 event.

The decision was taken on the recommendation of the church's national body, concerned about the spiralling cost of public liability insurance.

Keighley New Church council member Phillip Brooks said the bonfires -- launched five years ago when the church relocated to Braithwaite -- had become a popular community attraction.

"It is with great disappointment that we have had to take this decision but we cannot go against our national organisation's recommendation," he said.

"The bonfires have brought the local community and church members together in a friendly and safe environment, but the cost of insurance and the strict new conditions attached would make it impractical to stage the event."

Joining in the pumpkin-making fun at East Riddlesden Hall are Silsden friends Emily Williamson, nine (left) and Claire Lavelle, eight