A SERIAL hoaxer with a history of making false calls stretching back nearly ten years told 999 operators he planted bombs in two Chippenham streets.

Gareth Filer, who suffers from the rare genetic condition Klinefelters Syndrome, told the emergency operator he had planted a bomb in Allington Way, which was due to detonate in less than ten minutes.

Filer, who lives in a care home in The Limes, Stroud, admitted making a bomb hoax call on February 1, with two other hoax calls alleging a bomb attack and a fire taken into consideration, when he appeared before Chippenham magistrates on Monday.

Prosecutor Michelle Hewitt said 29-year-old Filer used his mobile phone to make a call to Wiltshire 999 operator Rick Owen claiming to have planted the bomb.

Repeatedly apologising to the operator Filer said the bomb was about to go off, before changing his mind about the bomb's location, alleging the device was in Patchway.

When asked by the operator why he planted the bomb, Filer replied, "because I love doing it".

Mrs Hewitt said emergency services were not tasked to deal with the bomb threat as operators recognised the number as being linked to previous false calls.

In a police interview Filer said he wanted the emergency services to be in the Chippenham area because of an argument he had with his father.

He made the bomb threats to get them to the area where his relative lived.

Mrs Hewitt said: "He did actually intend the person on the telephone to believe there was an actual bomb at the location.

Simon James, defending, said Filer had a long history of making hoax calls.

Avon and Somerset fire safety officials have been working with the 29-year-old for several years stemming from when he lived in Bristol and made repeated hoax calls to the fire service.

Filer has been diagnosed as suffering from Klinefelters a rare condition affecting chromosomes and testosterone levels, which manifests during puberty.

The syndrome is linked to behavioural problems.

Mr James said: "In general these hoax calls have not met with police action and as much as can be done is being done for Gareth Filer."

Magistrates released Filer on an 18-month conditional discharge and made no order for costs.

YOUNG footballers have raised more than £1,000 at a car boot sale held at Castle Combe.

Record crowds came along to the first giant car boot sale of the year on Sunday, held in aid of a new clubhouse.

Dirk Crawley, chairman of the Castle Combe sports field association said: "This was an absolutely brilliant result."

The association is racing to finish a new £32,000 clubhouse in time for the soccer season.

The 25-year-old clubhouse is being replaced to provide modern facilities for the Castle Combe Colts soccer teams and the Nettleton and Castle Combe cricket club, as well as others.

Future sales are scheduled for May 18, June 15, July 20, August 10, September 21 and October 12, opening from 9am to 2pm.