Families have been enjoying monster fun in the spirit of Halloween.

Visitors helped raise community spirit and cash for their village at the first Clanfield pumpkin competition.

The event at the Carter Institute in Main Street on Saturday, featured carving competitions, fancy dress and apple bobbing.

It raised £100 for a fund for the village, near Bampton.

Reuben Andrews, eight, said: “I enjoyed trying to grab the apples out of the bucket, but it was too hard and the water was cold.”

George Winfield, six, said: “I enjoying carving the pumpkins, getting my hands mucky.”

More than 600 children tore around Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley, over the half-term break to find pumpkins to win prizes.

Events manager Susie Hunt said: “It was a successful and fantastic half term – we were overwhelmed with kids.”

Running scared was the theme of the Candleford Canter as ghosts and ghouls took on the 10km challenge.

The annual event saw 125 female runners set off on Sunday from Fringford village hall following a circular course inspired by Flora Thompson’s book Lark Rise to Candleford.

Organiser Julie Trinder, 49, from Bicester, said: “It was brilliant – the feedback has been really positive.”

Mary Grace Spalton, 35, from Aston Rowant, won the race in 39 minutes, 37 seconds.

Cakes and refreshments were sold in aid of Oxford’s Sobell House hospice, raising more than £240.

Handmade gifts and treats were on offer in aid of Oxford and District Sports and Recreation Association for the Disabled (Oxsrad) sports centre in Marsh Lane, Oxford, on Sunday.

Organiser Helen Wharton-Smith said: “We had old- fashioned sweets, jewellery and handmade cards.

“People came to us from all across Oxfordshire.”

The annual event aims to raise £1,000 for Oxsrad.