Gloucestershire in Pictures: Statues galore

It has been a busy week in the county with brighter conditions bringing renewed optimism, even as temperatures dropped for the start of the new month.

Talking of optimism, Cheltenham Town have appointed local hero Steve Cotterill as their new boss in the hope that he will lead them to safety in League Two.

In other news, the Lions at Large said their farewells before they go up for auction, apple pressing is in full swing in Bishops Cleeve, and a new sculpture has shown its face in Pittville Park.

Here are the best pictures from across Gloucestershire this week.

Roaring success: It is time to say farewell to the Lions at Large, which have held pride of place in Cheltenham and Gloucester since July.

The sculptures had a farewell event at Cheltenham Race Course on Friday and will be going under the hammer to raise funds for a new state-of-the-art cancer centre in Cheltenham next Thursday.

Local legend: Steve Cotterill returned to Whaddon Road on Tuesday, raising fan hopes that Cheltenham will push on after a wretched start to the season.

With the club rock-bottom of League Two, Cotterill will look to emulate his earlier successful spell at the club where he won three promotions and the FA Trophy.

Big squeeze: With a bumper crop of apples this year, after a long, hot summer, anyone with apples to spare headed for the Big Squeeze at Bishops Cleeve on Sunday.

The annual apple pressing event, now in its 13th year, invited people to bring along their own fruit for pressing and take away a bottle or two of fresh juice.

Berry heaven: We are still a couple of weeks away from peak autumn colour across the county, but there are signs of what is to come if you know where to look.

Many thanks to our WeatherWatcher Red Robin in Moreton in Marsh for this lovely picture.

Sitting proud: A new two-sided sculpture has been unveiled in Pittville Park in Cheltenham.

Carved by local artist Natasha Houseago, the artwork is part of a sensory garden project paid for and implemented by Friends of Pittville in collaboration with Cheltenham Borough Council.

Award contender: Local photographer Paul Nicholls has been shortlisted in the British Photography Awards 2025.

His image of the Stroud and District Motor Club Classic Reliability Trial was one of two to make the cut, with the winners being announced at a ceremony in November.

Award winners: Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service took home the Road Safety in the Community Award at a ceremony in Leeds.

The service's prevention team won the award for helping to teach young people with special educational needs how to stay safe in real-life situations.