RESIDENTS of Dudley Zoo and Castle will be enjoying pumpkin playtime as a Halloween treat this October half-term.

The seasonal vegetable will be on the menu for many of the zoo's animals over the coming weeks, while others have been given carved pumpkins filled with hidden treats to discover.

Families visiting throughout the holiday can get into the spooky spirit by taking part in the Castle Hill attraction’s contactless Halloween Hunt, for the chance to win an adoption of an animal of their choice.

The trail will conclude at the 11th century Dudley Castle at the heart of the zoo's 40-acre site – reportedly one of the most haunted venues in the country – where visitors can discover more about the spectres reputed to roam the cobbled grounds, including the grey lady and the drummer boy.

Andrea Hales, marketing manager at Dudley Zoo and Castle, said: “There’s plenty to see and learn at DZC this half term, as well as visiting the likes of our giraffes, tigers, sloths and our newest arrival, Djimat the Bornean orangutan, don't forget to swing by the indoor reptile house, castle creatures and farm barn, which all house our most creepy critters, including bats, snakes, vampire crabs poison dart frogs, bird eating tarantulas and the spooky-looking black beauty stick insect.”

Pre-booking online at dudleyzoo.org.uk is recommended.