MORE than 2,500 people rode into town to take part in the Wild West Box Revels over the bank holiday.

There was unexpected drama when the air ambulance was called to help a man who fell but he was soon found to be uninjured.

The man slipped down a slope while carrying his picnic hamper and as a precaution Wiltshire Air Ambulance was contacted.

"He was taken to Bath RUH as a precaution because he had a previous back problem, but he is fine," said Revels committee vice-chairman Coun Jennie Hartless.

"It marred the day slightly but apart from that it went extremely well."

The Lawmen brought the excitement of the Wild West when they put on an exciting John Wayne shoot-out and pantomime on Monday.

"The children thoroughly enjoyed it and the bucking bronco was also very popular," said Coun Hartless.

A favourite among the adults was the dog show with categories such as dog that most looks like their owner and funniest looking dog.

The tug-of-war contest was also very popular and plenty of people rolled up their sleeves to join the competition.

The contest was held on the lower part of the recreation ground so spectators could sit above it and have a good view.

"The team of ladies won the whole competition against all the pubs. So that was a bit of girl power," said Coun Hartless.

The sheep dog display with a twist entertained the crowds as a sheep dog rounded up a group of Indian Runner ducks instead of sheep.

"The ducks were going everywhere but the dog eventually got them in. He was extremely good," said Coun Hartless.

The recreation ground was also host to a wide selection of craft and produce stalls, including organic and Caribbean food.

"There were lots of stalls and people giving demonstrations. We tried to promote countryside crafts and everyone was from the local area," said Coun Hartless.

"The whole event is about raising money for local charities like Dorothy House Hospice and the local play group and churches," she said.

Among the exhibits was a display of tractors going back through the ages. And the day was rounded off with a themed barbecue at the Quarrymans Arms pub.

Monday was not the only day of revelry as the festivities were held throughout the week, beginning with a karaoke at the Queens Head last Tuesday.

"The pubs can't come down to the recreation ground on the bank holiday because they can't close, so they all asked what they could do to join in," said Coun Hartless.

"Each pub held an event through the week and gave money to a local charity of their choice and to the Box Revels funds."

The revel banquet, normally held in Selwyn Hall, was held at the Northey Arms pub this year, while sound-proofing work is carried out at the hall.

"We had the King Swingers performing and a disco in between," said Coun Hartless.

"The pub put on a great meal and we had Chilean beans and Chilean rice to keep it within the theme.

The whole week was a huge success and proved that the Box Revels is going from strength to strength.

The revels originated years ago as an bank holiday festival for men who worked in the local quarries.

Although the quarries closed long ago the tradition was revived about 20 years and has recently expanded from a day to a week of fun and games.