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ISH FEAST: Gary and Alan of Sea Breeze fish and chips are moving into Sherston village hall for the weekend

TRADERS have once again welcomed the boost likely to be brought by Badminton Horse Trials this weekend.

Every year horse lovers flock to the area to go to the famous equestrian event, bringing extra cash to local businesses at the same time.

Villagers in Sherston are particularly grateful for the trade and this year they have conjured up a special way to thank passing visitors.

Chefs from Sea Breeze Fish and Chips in Chippenham will be taking over the village hall and transforming it into a chip shop for the weekend.

They have been visiting Sherston village hall every Friday evening with their fish and chip van and to welcome visitors to the area for Badminton they will be cooking in-house on Friday and Saturday between 5pm and 9pm.

The village hall will be turned into a café where customers can enjoy eating their fish and chips at no extra cost and with tea, coffee, soft drinks as well as bread and butter from china plates.

Village hall chairman, Martin Rea, said: "The idea is not only to raise some much needed funds for the hall but also to say something of a thank you to all the visitors who flock to the village over Badminton and make such a contribution to the local economy ."

Sea Breeze owner Gary Weeks said: "It's nice to have somebody from Chippenham representing something like Badminton and we have a rapport with the parish council so it seemed a good idea."

Village hall committee members will be selling tea, coffee and soft drinks, for hall funds.

Sherston businesses have long realised the importance of Badminton week to their trade.

This year a number have combined to produce a leaflet, which is being delivered at the horse trials promoting the village's qualities.

Paul Mather, who works at Sherston Post Office Stores said: "Two years ago when the village was blocked off from Badminton due to a wall collapsing on to the B4040, all the businesses realised just how important the event was to our livelihoods.

"This year we have chipped in together to fund our own leaflet to attract as much custom as we can as well as giving everyone a very warm welcome during their stay."

The boost in business to the villages surrounding Badminton can be felt as far as Malmesbury.

Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Alan Woodward, said: "It does business good around the town and for hotels and bars.

"Catering businesses will do well out of it and generally I think it's great for the town and everywhere surrounding.

"As a chamber of commerce we certainly welcome it and long may it continue."

4:16pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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