Children in North Lanarkshire took part in a unique pumpkin-picking event.

As part of an initiative by the council's Restorative Justice Service, people serving community payback orders have been growing vegetables on the banks of the River Clyde, which kids now harvested.

Just in time for Halloween, local youngsters were invited to pick and paint pumpkins, 'dook' for apples and gather other vegetables, such as carrots and kale.

The children also enjoyed pumpkin soup, with the support of the placement team.

Part of the harvest was also donated to residents in sheltered housing complexes.

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Jim Curtis, placement manager with North Lanarkshire Council said: “The children, service users and placement team had a great day harvesting and decorating.

“Those carrying out payback order can make a real positive difference in our communities, and this is a great example of one of the many projects we are involved in.

"A number of years ago we agreed a partnership with local farmer Wilbur Hall, who sadly passed away last year, to develop an area of his spare ground to help with our rehabilitation programme.

"He believed in giving people second chances and this has allowed us to create a teaching project to help service users develop new skills and contribute to the local community.

“We’ve been able to put polytunnels and greenhouses up and we are self-sufficient with the use of solar panels allowing us to use heaters to bring on seeds in early spring at no cost. This has helped us to provide over 200 bread baskets worth of fruit and vegetables to children’s homes and sheltered housing complexes each year.”

Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children and Families added: “Individuals serving community payback orders are given the chance to build on their rehabilitation by developing new skills while giving something back to local communities.

"It is great to see projects like this bring joy to children but also providing fresh produce to vulnerable people at this time with so many cost of living pressures.