AS rumours of a national pumpkin shortage spread, and one major grower warns heavy August rains have cut pumpkin yields in half, some people will be having nightmares about reaching October 31 with no pumpkin to carve. ANIQAH CHOUDHRI finds out if the shortage has spread to Cumbria by speaking to our pumpkin expert, Wray Brocklebank, of Brocklebank Greengrocers, of Ulverston and Dalton

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creatIve Adding the finishing touches to a colourful display at Brocklebanks in Market Street, Dalton, are staff members Catherine Rowe, left, and Aimee Pettigrew PICTURES BY JON GRANGER Is there a shortage of pumpkins locally?

No, not really. We seem to be getting good supplies. We’ll have pumpkins right up through Halloween.

Have you noticed a trend of more and more people buying pumpkins for Halloween?

Yes, and more and more people have been inquiring about pumpkins. Our florist has even started selling bouquets in pumpkins.

If people cannot get hold of a pumpkin, is there another vegetable they can use to carve a lantern?

Yes! Large swedes, large turnips. That’s what we used to use. And you can eat the middle of them. You can’t beat the smell of a good turnip.

What variety of pumpkins do you sell?

The orange and green kind.

Is there a way to preserve a pumpkin after it has been carved?

You can’t. The life of a pumpkin is four days after it’s been carved. Carve it the day before Halloween, not before.

Can animals eat pumpkins?

Yes.

What can you do with pumpkins after they’ve gone soft?

Not much at all. Toss them.

Are pumpkins good for you?

Pumpkins are definitely good for you. You can turn them into soups or pies. There are plenty of vitamins in a pumpkin.