A HALLOWEEN festival featuring a trail of giant animal pumpkin sculptures will transform Chester Zoo this October.

The zoo has announced its biggest ever Halloween celebration, which will include the UK's first fully animated 360-degree mythical experience.

Among the giant animal sculptures made from pumpkins, visitors will encounter dragons, bats, and wolves.

All untamed creatures will be part of the zoo's brand new BEASTS experience.

The UK's first fully animated 360-degree digital experience will take guests on an adventure through 'unexplored lands to discover mythical beasts'.

This is a prequel to the fantasy novel 'Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain' by children's TV presenter, zoologist, and author, Dr Jess French.

It is the UK's first fully animated 360-degree digital experience (Image: Chester Zoo) The experience is said to be inspired by some of the animals found at the zoo.

Elinor Trigg, senior customer development manager at Chester Zoo, said: "This Halloween we’re challenging our guests to complete a giant pumpkin trail where wolves, spiders, frogs, owls and more can be discovered around every corner.

"Visitors will also need to complete the trick or treat trail challenge to win a tasty, sweet treat and sticker."

The zoo has partnered with Dr French to bring the creatures from her novel to life in the BEASTS experience.

The story of the brave protagonist, Thaddea, is told through immersive floor projections and 360-degree visual displays.

Ms Trigg said: "It’s inspired by many animals right here at the zoo and it’s something that’s not to be missed."

The Halloween festival will also spotlight species that are often misunderstood but are crucial to ecosystems.

Visitors participating in the autumn festivities will be supporting the zoo's charitable conservation efforts to protect at-risk species.

A special event on Halloween day, October 31, will feature a book signing and reading by Dr French.

Beginning at 10am in the zoo's main gift shop, Dr French will read her fantasy book and afterwards, visitors can have their books signed.

Visitors can encounter dragons, bats, and wolves (Image: Chester Zoo) Dr French said: "I am thrilled to be collaborating with Chester Zoo on this hugely exciting project and I’m over the moon that they have selected the world of Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain as the setting for this first-of-its-kind digital experience.

"It’s every fantasy writer’s dream to see their world and creations brought to life in this way and I cannot wait to step into the virtual Beastlands."

The activities, including the BEASTS experience and the giant pumpkin trail, are free for all visitors who purchase normal zoo tickets.

No booking is needed, and the trail can be enjoyed throughout the day between September 28 and November 3.

For more information, visit their website.