Pumpkin carving

The tradition of leaving a glowing pumpkin in your window dates back to an ancient Celtic tradition. On 31 October, the end of the Pagan new year, a carved turnip containing a burning lump of coal was a sign that you welcomed the spirits of your ancestors into your home.

Keep the tradition alive - and those evil spirits at bay - by carving your own lantern. Look for pumpkins with a healthy orange colour all over - avoid any with bruises or patchy colouring. They should be as ripe as possible, and have a sturdy stalk.

Step-by-step guide:

Cut the lid
Start by making a hole in the top of the pumpkin. You need to cut out a lid that can be replaced once you've finished, so angle the knife towards the centre of the pumpkin as you cut. The bevelled edge will keep the lid in place. You may also find it easier to cut a six-sided lid, rather than a circle.

Clean it out
Using a wooden spoon, clean out the seeds and strings. Where you plan to carve the face, scrape away the pulp until the wall is about 3cm thick.

Add the face
The best way to design the face is to draw it on paper first and attach it to the pumpkin. Using a toothpick, prick holes along the lines and into the pumpkin. When you remove the paper, you'll be left with a dotted outline of the face.

Carve
Following the dotted line, cut the shapes out with a pointed saw-blade knife. Use a gentle sawing action to avoid breaking bits off the pumpkin.

Preserve
Rubbing the insides of the pumpkin with diluted bleach will preserve it for a few more days.

Light
Either make a basic candleholder from tinfoil or use a tea-light and secure at the base of the pumpkin. Cut a small chimney hole in the lid to let the heat and smoke escape.

(Warning - never leave a naked flame unattended).