Gloucestershire in pics: Pink skies and autumn trees

Our weekly round-up of pictures taken across the county include a scarecrow in the form of local actor Tweedy the Clown.

The county is changing its colours for autumn and the leaves are turning crisp and orange.

Going back in time: The Sheriff’s Assize of Ale dates back to medieval times when the Sheriff was responsible for ensuring the ale on sale in the city was of palatable quality and raises funds for the civic charities – this year The Alzheimer’s Society, Sue Ryder Care and Teckels Animal Shelter.

The Sheriff together with an army of followers dressed in medieval clothing tour the pubs in Gloucester collecting cash for charity and carrying out a slightly bizarre ritual involving a wooden stool, someone dressed in leather breeches and an egg timer.

The Sheriff has an “Ale Conner”, whose job it is to sit on a wooden stool, on which a small amount of ale has been poured, wearing a pair of leather breeches. If after three minutes the trousers stick to the stool, the ale does not pass the test.

Autumn shades: Westonbirt Arboretum is showing off its autumn colours this week. The reds and oranges are bursting through, making a walk around the Arboretum a cosy experience.

Clowning around: A scarecrow has been spotted in Painswick Rococo Gardens for half-term week.

The Tweedy the Clown scarecrow was created by Charmaine Gifford-James and it floats on this magic carpet over the Exedra pond.