Sherston is gearing up for the 25th anniversary of its famous Boules Carnival, which has grown from a 16 team affair into a 128-team marathon surrounded by a week of activities and events.

Since it started in 1986 as a small tournament in the Angel, which used to occupy the Sherston Software premises in the High Street, it has raised more than £200,000 for charity.

This year’s event, which runs from Saturday, July 10 until Sunday, July 18, will raise cash for Help for Heroes, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and a host of local community groups.

Organising committee member Irene Johnston said preparations were nearly complete.

She said: “We’ve been doing it for so long everything pretty much falls into place now.

“The demand has been very high, we had 200 team applications for the 128 places.

“After the first year proved so popular we had 32 teams the second time round.

“We’ve now grown so much we physically can’t grow any more.

“Over the years it has really grabbed the imagination and a lot of other pubs have put in boules pistes.

“The Rattlebone Inn has three leagues running now and Wadworth, who are sponsoring this year’s event, are so impressed they are considering introducing them into their pubs.”

As well as the numerous boules matches there will be a range of activities taking place.

On Saturday, July 17 live jazz, Gien folk singers and morris dancers will be entertaining visitors who can enjoy French-style pavement cafes, stalls, raffles, dray rides and afternoon teas in the village hall.

A floral display will be decorating the Church of the Holy Cross and the Congregational Chapel will be hosting an antique Bible display.

On Sunday a tug of war at Brook Hill will be followed by a duck race, cream teas, fancy dress judging and a thanksgiving service in the High Street at 6pm.

New this year will be a kids zone on the village hall field.

Activities include splat the rat, drench the wench, human fruit machine, face painting, fancy dress, bouncy castles, football target shoot and a dance exhibition among other attractions.

Mrs Johnston said: “This will be fantastic, there are activities going on all day from 9am till 5pm keeping the children entertained.

“It is a flat cost of just £2 per child and once in they can take part in everything.

“The children will certainly not be getting bored.”

She added that the festival had a good track record with the weather.

She said: “I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but in the 25 years the weather has only been bad twice, so we’re hoping for plenty of sunshine.”