YOUNG visitors to Altrincham are in for a real (trick or) treat.

Families visiting Altrincham this October half term are invited to follow a free Pumpkin Trail all around the town centre, picking up treats along the way, and earning the chance to win big.

Businesses across the town centre have been provided with wooden pumpkins, created specifically for the trail by Altrincham’s recently opened Fab Lab, and will be decorating them in their own style ready for half term week.

A trail map and goodie bags can be picked up until October 29 from either Altrincham Library or Waterstones.

As children spot each pumpkin they will be rewarded with a treat, and once they have completed the trail they’ll have a chance to win a family ticket to see Manchester Storm, and a family meal at Urban Burger Bar on Greenwood Street.

Organised by Altrincham Unlimited (the new name for Altrincham’s Business Improvement District) the trail is designed to provide a free family activity in the run up to Halloween, and at the same time showcase the businesses on offer in the town centre.

Katie Bland, manager of Altrincham Unlimited, said: “Pulling together Altrincham’s first Pumpkin Trail has been a real team effort. Fab Lab have provided us with some fantastic pumpkins for the businesses to decorate, and the businesses have risen to the challenge with some brilliant ideas - we can’t wait to see the finished results.

“The trail includes a great mix of established and new businesses, and is an effective way to remind visitors of the variety of quality high street names and independent retailers we have in Altrincham.

“It can be expensive to entertain children in the school holidays, so we’re pleased to be able to provide a free, fun activity for families visiting Altrincham this October half term.”

Libby George, of Libby G Cakes, recently opened on Moss Lane said: “We are delighted to be included on the Pumpkin Trail. Our business is all about creativity as our cakes are individually designed for each customer, and we’ll be applying the same imagination to our trail pumpkin.

“As a new business to Altrincham town centre we’re looking forward to welcoming lots of families into the shop – it’s a great opportunity to show people what we do and join in with a community event.”