West Sussex pumpkin king Ralph Upton is preparing for the rush as Hallowe'en approaches.

Mr Upton has been a squash-growing expert for more than 30 years and even decorates the roof of his home with the colourful produce.

He is known in his home village of Slindon, near Arundel, as The Pumpkin Man and sells them from his front garden.

The 79-year-old and his wife Barbara have even written a recipe book to accompany the produce.

Mr Upton has three fields and each year plants of 20,000 seeds.

He said: "We grow about 30 different sorts of pumpkin and have been decorating the house for many years.

"We originally put them up on the roof to dry them out and harden their skins but it has gone from there.

"I love watching the plants grow and enjoy seeing the beautiful colours and textures coming through. I can't paint pictures but I can paint with pumpkins."

Mr Upton's particular favourite pumpkin variety is called Crown Prince, which he said made beautiful soup.