LEDBURY youngster Abi Smith, aged eight, loves growing pumpkins for Halloween, but she likes helping out charities and good causes even more.

The Ledbury Primary School youngster developed the pumpkin-growing habit five years ago, when she was only three, and she even has her own thriving allotment at Gorsley.

She is displaying the pumpkins at the Raft Clothing shop in Ledbury, and anyone wishing to make a donation for a pumpkin can do so.

So far, she has raised £30 to Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.

Mum Tanya said: "She has a big heart and loves helping people.

She is a very special little girl."

Abi also gives vegetables she has grown to Ledbury Primary School and to St Michael's Hospice.