LOWER Shaw Farm's annual egg-rolling contest produced much excitement on the slopes of Avebury on Easter Sunday.

"The event grew out of a lack of something to do with so many beautifully hand painted eggs," said organiser Matt Holland, who declared the 22-year-old event a great success. "It's just a fun way to get out and about and everyone had a great day."

Other tourist attractions across the borough put the misery of last year's foot and mouth epidemic behind them.

Hundreds took advantage of the balmy conditions and a couple of days off work to flock to Coate Water Country Park where ice cream traders did a brisk trade.

Rupert Burr, manager of Roves Farm in Sevenhampton, said the weekend had produced the best visitor figures in the 10 years it had been open.

Last year the attraction was closed for much of the spring due to foot and mouth and lost £70,000.

The Steam Museum in Kemble Drive noted an increase in visitors, while Barbury Castle and the Cotswold Water Park were both busy.