Pumpkin picking with Berkshire Farm Girl at Rookery Farm, Curridge, near Newbury

Despite the poor weather forecast leading to the postponement of this year’s Ploughing Match, more than 1,000 pumpkins were sold at the West Berkshire farm it was meant to take place.

Rookery Farm in Curridge was the home to Eleanor Gilbert’s – better known as Berkshire Farm Girl – pumpkin patch last weekend.

Hundreds of families visited the farm to pick and carve their own pumpkins, get their pictures taken and meet the local agricultural celebrity.

Miss Gilbert said: “It was really good and very well supported.

“Lots of people enjoyed painting their pumpkin and also carving them because it meant no mess had to go home.

“It was really successful. I really enjoyed myself and I think everyone did too.

“There were lots of little children running around and I didn’t hear any of them crying.”

On Sunday, which was the busier day due to the brighter weather, Maggie the steam engine and some fire engines were present at the farm for visitors to inspect and enjoy.

Children explored the mini bale maze, saw a combine harvester and learned about other farm machinery.

The weekend event raised more than £200 for Miss Gilbert’s charity Ellie’s Welly, which raises money in support of Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Dusk Photography was also present on the Sunday to offer its professional photography service in exchange for a donation to Ellie’s Welly.