There are ghostly goings-on at Bristol Zoo Gardens this week as it undergoes a spooky transformation for its Halloween Festival.

Pumpkin carving competitions, creepy costume contests and witch-led tours of the grounds are being staged to entertain children on their half-term holidays. The Bristol zoo's Halloween festival runs until next Wednesday and all Halloween activities are free with zoo entry.

The popular pumpkin carving competition takes place on Friday and children who carve or decorate a pumpkin to take along to the zoo before noon can get free entry for one child with a full-paying adult.

The Halloween Festival finishes with the zoo's first Bangless Bonfire Night, which features noiseless fireworks designed not to frighten young children and animals.

Entry to the Bangless Bonfire Night, next Wednesday from 4-6pm, is included in the normal zoo admission price or, for the display only, costs £3 for adults, £2 for children aged over four and is free for younger children.

For more information call Bristol Zoo Gardens on 974 7307 or visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk.