Sizzling sunshine over Sherston ensured the success of the village’s popular annual boules and carnival competition.

Families and boules competitors descended on the village near Malmesbury over the weekend for what is deemed to have been the most successful tournament yet.

Committee member Minnie Hulme said: “It was fantastic. We have had a lot of feedback to say that it was the best boules day event ever.

“We couldn’t have asked for better weather; if anything it was too hot.

“Everyone who visited from outside the village was gushing about Sherston, the event and the way it was run.

“It’s always a fantastic event but because the weather has been so bad for the past four or five years it has made it so much more special this year.”

A peal of the church bells signalled the start of the day with horse rides, Morris dancing, jazz and brass bands and a junior boules event.

A Sherston-On-Sea attraction entertained youngsters with a toddler beach play area, Punch and Judy shows, a surfboard simulator and pirate treasure digs.

The Piste Artists, from Wales, beat the Cleverboules to win in the competition final.

Mrs Hulme, who has been involved in the organisation of the event for 15 years, said: “It was one of the best finals we have had because there was a lot of friendly banter and it was won in such a lovely way.

“For me, it was the atmosphere in the village this year that was the highlight.

“The boules competition final has to be the favourite as well, because that’s what the whole event is all about.”

On the Sunday there was a treasure hunt, a tug of war contest that was won by The Vine Tree in Norton and a duck race.

Organisers expect to have raised in excess of £10,000 from the event in aid of local groups and charities.