Hundreds of rock'n'roll fans descended on Chippenham over the weekend to join in the fun at the three-day Eddie Cochran Festival.

The colourful event celebrated the styles and sounds of the 1950's and 60's - with three nights of live music at the Olympiad in Chippenham.

And the highlight of the festival was the unveiling of a seven-foot slab of fine black granite into which has been etched the image of the famous rock'n'roller himself.

The American flag was draped over the plaque and the image was unveiled by John Leyton and Eddie's friend Charlie Gracie.

"It was superb," said festival organiser Ken Hersey, from Bristol.

"We left it on display for over an hour because so many people wanted their pictures taken beside it.

"A lot of the women were crying when they saw it, because the likeness is so good. It looks like he's walking out of the stone towards you."

The memorial cost £7000, and was funded by a loan taken out by Mr Hersey and his fellow festival organiser Gwen Hale. They are collecting donations to help pay for the memorial.

Full story and pictures in this week's Gazette