PEOPLE could be forgiven for thinking they had taken a step back in time in Devizes on Saturday.

Until the late 1980s farmers brought their livestock to town every Thursday for the cattle market but these days cows and sheep are a rare sight in the town centre.

But on Saturday Wiltshire Wildlife Trust organised a Country Comes To Town day and people had the chance to get up close to a wide variety of animals and birds of prey.

A trust spokesman said: "We were delighted by how the event went, we estimate there to have been between 7,000 and 8,000 people there. We are pleased to have gained 19 new members to the Trust. The highlight of the day was probably the birds of prey, which proved very popular with the members of the public."

They also thanked everyone who came along and sponsors who donated prizes for a raffle.

Staff from the trust also showcased activities and projects including Building Bridges, Wild Connections and the Repair Academy. Visitors took part in Forest School taster sessions and learned how to identify wildlife.

Lakeside Care Farm took along rare breed Belted Galloway cows and calves and Herdwick sheep. But the stars of the show for many visitors were the birds of prey that sat patiently on logs looking serene until something disturbed them and they showed their full splendour by flapping their wings.

Adults and children were able to have a go at country crafts and see how bees make honey.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s fundraising engagement officer, Tamsin Whinton said: “This was a great opportunity to experience the work of the trust in a fun and interactive way."

Later on the same day the trust held its annual meeting and volunteer awards at St Andrew's Church in Devizes.