RESIDENTS turned out in their hundreds for Sherston's annual boules competition.

Thought to be the UK's largest boules competition, it took place on Saturday, July 14.

Now in its 33rd year, 127 games on 16 boules pitches were contested throughout the day in the high street, closed to traffic, to make room for the event.

Bob Rumble, Boules Competition Organiser said: "In lovely weather, a great turnout as befits the wonderful community spirit which is always shown by the people of Sherston, made it a quite memorable day.

"The boules tournament was great fun and even gave rise to some surprises, notably that the reigning champions, The Piste Artistes from Wales were well beaten in a semi final as were, earlier in the day, a much fancied team of Frenchmen who unsurprisingly called themselves The Frogs.

"The eventual winners of an absorbing main competition final were Peartree Two +1, two from Gotherington, Cheltenham and one from Bournemouth, who beat Bubbly Boules from Bath.

"The winners of the Best Local Team were Lidds Off.

"We were delighted to have Mrs Jo Owen, who was one of the founders of Sherston Boules 32 years ago, present the prizes.

"The Founders' Plate final was an epic tussle and was won by The Vauxhalliers from London who narrowly defeated Sherston's TDT's."

On the day, there was also a wide variety of stalls, cafes, music and entertainment.