Gloucestershire in pics: Festive spirit spreading

Festive sights are popping up all across the county as lights are switched on and Christmas decorations go up.

The magical advent service attracted hundreds of people to Gloucester Cathedral, while the lights have been switched on at Westonbirt.

We have also been sent some more amazing sunsets and sunrises, and it has been a big week for a certain penguin in Bourton-on-the-Water, who now has a completely new name!

A special evening: The candlelit Advent service drew hundreds of people to Gloucester Cathedral last weekend. The service's theme of darkness into light is reflected as the congregation light their own candles at the cathedral which is hosting a range of Christmas services this month.

Light up: The Jeynes Row Christmas Lights in Tewkesbury have been switched on for the sixth year. The displays raise money for SARA Tewkesbury, is a volunteer search and rescue team based at the Fire and Rescue Station in Tewkesbury.

Grazing: Local photographer Wioletta Quill captured this scene with perfect timing at Rodborough Common this week, with a magical-looking sky as the backdrop.

Future prospects: The Director of GCHQ, Anne Keast-Butler, has officially opened a new £5.8 million centre of excellence for cyber and digital at University of Gloucestershire. FuturePark has space for cyber, games and computing courses based at the university's campus in Cheltenham.

Under the lights: Cheltenham Town took on Port Vale at home on Tuesday, and were only denied an impressive win against the league leaders by a goal in the 94th minute.

Reflections: Even at this time of year, sometimes you get a clear day to enjoy nature. Weather Watcher 'Nutkin' sent in this fabulous photo from Hewelsfield.

What's in a name? It's been quite the week for penguin, "Magnus", at Birdland Park and Gardens, who has been given a new name after being misgendered for eight years.

Dazzling: The new illuminated trail, Christmas at Westonbirt, has launched, with the team from the arboretum teaming up with the award-winning light trail producers Christmas at Kew, Christmas at Bedgebury and Christmas at Blenheim.

Early birds get the view: Gloucestershire can be beautiful for those able to be up to see the dawn, like SantaSusie who took this photograph of a sunrise in Berkeley.

Good timing: Josh03 showed good timing to capture this rainbow in the sky over Painswick, as rain showers gave way to sunshine.