FAN: Harry Styles got hold of his pumpkin last week [SPLASH]

One of the UK's top growers last night warned that our nation has been hit by the worst pumpkin shortage in a decade.

Mums hunting shop shelves for pumpkins to hollow out for kiddies' parties, or for Hallowe'en pies and soups, could be left horrified.

The long, hot summer saw pumpkins grow well but recent heavy rain and a cold snap means they are now rotting in the fields.

Jim Meer, director of fruit and vegetable supplier Barfoots, said: "The 2014 season has been extremely challenging for the supply of pumpkins into the UK market.

"The recent weather has made harvesting conditions extremely difficult and with increased demand and lower yields it's a juggling act to ensure our retail customers are getting sufficient stock through to fulfil the demand in store."

He said farmers and growers are branding it "the worst season in a decade" after they were hit by a double whammy.

A 35% increase in demand from stores has been coupled with poor October weather.

Attractions around Plymouth, Devon have suffered from the horror before Hallowe'en.

A spokesman for Woodlands Family Adventure Park near Totnes said: "We have found that there was a shortage of pumpkins this year, but have managed to source enough in the end.

"We are having to pay more than we were hoping to but it's worth it when you seen the animated faces of the children enjoying carving them."

With Hallowe'en far more popular here than it was a generation ago, more than 10 million pumpkins are now grown in the UK every year.

Around 95% used to create hollowed-out festive lanterns.

The other five per cent are used for pies, stews and soups.

It brings back memories of the 2012 pumpkin shortage due to a rain-soaked summer.

David Bowman, of David Bowman Pumpkins, bear Spalding, Lincolnshire, said: "It's terrible, pumpkins don't like the wet and cold and that's what we've had all summer."