A VILLAGE Wild West Day proved more dramatic than expected when the air ambulance took an injured man to hospital on Monday.

The middle-aged man, who has not been named, slipped down a steep slope on the Box recreation ground while carrying a picnic hamper at the annual Box Revels event.

The fun day was halted for half an hour as Wiltshire Air Ambulance were called in.

Box resident and GWR DJ Dave West, who was compering the event, had to usher the crowds away from the field while the helicopter landed.

Councillor Jennie Hartless, vice chairman of the Box Revels committee, said: "The man was taken to Bath RUH as a precaution because he had a previous back problem, but he is fine. It marred the day slightly but apart from that it went extremely well."

The Box Revels took place all last week across the village, culminating with a series of events on Monday that saw 3,000 people flock to the village.

The event has been running for 20 years and this year had a Wild West theme.

One of this year's highlights was the tug of war, which saw the all-women team Box Babes, come out on top much to the surprise of their male opponents.

Bill Cotton of the Box Revels Committee said: "We got someone to secretly train them they were hauling cars round the village."

Elsewhere revellers entered their dogs in a dog show with a difference. Judges were looking out for the best looking male and female dogs as well as the scruffiest, the waggiest tail, the best pup and best old-timer.

Other attractions included a sheepdog-style duck roundup and a falconer.

Throughout the day helicopter rides were on offer for those looking for an aerial view of the village.

Re-enactment group the Bristol Lawmen ran two shows during the afternoon offering a light-hearted take on a western-style town, ending with the obligatory shoot out. Proceedings ended with a vintage tractor drive by and throughout the day visitors sampled food from stalls, ranging from Caribbean chicken to traditional cream teas.

Mr Cotton said: "We have been hoping to try and re-establish the Revels as an event and we've now got it back on the map.

"The Revels provided a great financial boost for the village. Local businesses and pubs got really involved and their takings certainly would have gone up."