PUMPKINS, black cats, witches and goblins were seen walking across muddy fields at Mill Farm Organic in Isington last Saturday afternoon – but there was no need for alarm.

They were four and five year olds from Bentley dressed for Hallowe’en and on a sponsored walk to raise money for new play equipment in the village.

Braving mud, rain and the tailwind of Storm Brian, they raised £1,600.

Fundraising has been going on in the village, led by Sally Dando, to buy equipment for the playground on the green, and last week The Star pub held an auction of promises, boosting the £18,000 needed by £4,000.

Sara Wood, whose five-year-old daughter Evie May took part dressed as a black cat, said: “It was the children’s idea to help with the fundraising by doing a sponsored walk and they decided they would also dress up for Hallowe’en.

“We were worried when we heard the weather forecast but although we had some rain and it was muddy walking across the fields – we did a two mile route around the farm – all the children, who are aged between four and five, and their siblings, completed the course.

“We have been holding various events in the village for the equipment and there are also grants in the pipeline and we hope we will have the £18,000 needed by spring.”

Evie May said the walk was “fun”, if a bit muddy, and at the end “we had lots of cake, hot chocolate and marshmallows”.

To donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/yrs1andr.bentley.