Wiltshire in pictures: Presents, bats and meerkats

People across the county have been really been getting into the festive spirit this week, with surprise visits to sick children from Swindon Town footballers.

And with some decorated tractors and merry meerkats, there was a lot of Christmas cheer.

Here's a selection of some joyful pictures from around Wiltshire.

Festive Cheer: Swindon Town were in attendance at the Great Western Hospital this week, with manager Ian Holloway and players Will Wright and Ollie Clarke giving out presents to hospitalised children.

Amesbury's lantern parade has taken place

Lighting up the streets: The Amesbury Mid-Winter Lantern Procession brought a crowd on Friday evening as people walked between the town and Amesbury Abbey Spring, with the Solstice Lantern being lit.

Shiny happy people: Salisbury is celebrating its status as 'the city of stars' with family friendly attractions including the Sunday festive markets and Christmas on the Square drawing in the crowds.

Carry on smiling: Meanwhile, some traders were making the best of it in Swindon despite the lack of footfall at the town's Christmas Market. Kate Andrews, who runs the Yorkshire Pudding Wrap stall said the situation was "shocking".

Call handler: Wiltshire Police have hit the national target for answering 999 calls for the first time after being labelled in March the "worst force in the country" for how quickly they responded to emergency calls.

Tinsel sparkle: Around 150 decorated tractors are descending on Devizes and nearby towns this weekend for the Young Farmers' annual Tractor N' Tinsel run to raise money for charities including Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Cave reopening: Longleat Safari Park has confirmed the reopening of its popular Bat Cave, which visitors to the estate will be able to walk through from February 2025.

Festive enrichment: Animal keepers at Longleat Safari Park have been keeping the meerkats happy with food hidden inside Santa's hat.

Photographer, Tom Anders, was able to capture the animals looking as if they were trying the hat on for size.

Warm welcome: This family of snowmen were keeping passers-by amused and slowing down traffic past the home of Claire Cox in Kingshill Road, Swindon, who is raising money for the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity.