A pumpkin sculptor has combined Macclesfield’s famous 108 steps and the ‘killer clown’ craze for his latest creation.

Darren Bannaghan’s detailed carving also includes a bat and a full moon, looming above the iconic image of the steps that snake down from behind St Michael’s Church.

It is one of several stunning pumpkins the 46-year-old is frantically finishing for friends and family ahead of Halloween on Monday (October 31).

Darren, who lives on the Weston with wife Rachel, is also creating a Ghostbusters-themed one for his nephew and a wolf for his own house on Wilton Crescent.

Darren, whose work featured in the Express this time last year, said: “It’s the first time I’ve attempted a Macclesfield scene, but I wanted to make it scary so chose to do one of those killer clowns in the news at the moment.”

Darren has been carving pumpkins for five years and has produced pumpkins dogs, VW camper vans, bats, witches and even a Gruffalo. Last year’s masterpiece was a dragon breathing fire.

He said: “They take a long time and don’t last long, but it’s great fun.”

  • The Treacle Market on Sunday, October 30, will be a halloween special. Guests are invited to bring along their carved entries for the pumpkin competition, which will be judged in front of the Town Hall at 1pm. Debbie Quinn, who co-organises the market, said: “We love to see what amazing creations our visitors bring. They are a truly creative bunch every year.” The bustling market runs from 10am until 3.30pm with a whole range of stalls. And on Sunday, St Michael’s churchyard will be home to a family of skunks, owls, birds and interesting beasts