The Channel Islands has avoided the UK pumpkin shortage, but trick-or-treaters might notice that the squash variety is smaller than usual.

Across the Channel, The National Trust said that bad weather and what's been described as an 'army of slugs' have reduced pumpkin crops throughout the UK. 

One of the worst farms affected was Kingston Lacy in Dorset, where pumpkins and squashes had to be harvested a month earlier than usual.

As a result, only half of the garden’s normal crop were saved.

Lovers of pumpkin-carving in the Channel Islands however, will be pleased to know that according to our local farmers, there will be enough of the Halloween favourites here to go around. 

Lee Hechet Pumpkin Farmer Jess Rihoy says numbers aren't an issue in Guernsey:

"We've had a pretty good year for growing our pumpkins.

"We haven't had as much sun as we would usually have, so the pumpkins aren't as big as they have been in previous years.

"We are definitely happy with the amount of pumpkins that have grown and quite a lot of people like small pumpkins - especially the children."

Phil Le Maistre from Master Farms says it's a similar picture in Jersey:

"They are not quite as big as usual. I think that's just down to the fact we haven't had as much sun and heat this summer.

"There's been plenty of rain so the plants got off to a really good start so they emerged well and grew lots of leaf, but actually when they came to fruit we needed a bit more sun to increase the size.

"Numbers-wise, we've got as many as we would usually have - thankfully."

Pumpkin farms in the Channel Islands have also avoided the 'slimy army' of slugs which have been ruining crop across the UK. 

Jess Rihoy said the pests are certainly here, but haven't been too much of a problem: 

"We have seen a few slugs around but nothing to be alarmed about. 

"It's mainly because the ground is so wet beneath the pumpkin so you might see a couple of slugs under there but they haven't affected us - thank goodness!"

Phil Le Maistre said he's not entirely sure why slugs haven't targeted the Channel Islands:

"I don't know why, but for some reason we don't get affected by slugs that much in Jersey. 

"In the UK they get affected a lot more. I think we grow a lot less cereals and slugs love cereals. 

"I'm not really sure why but its good news for us anyway."