Gloucestershire in Pictures: Big cats and black skies

Gloucestershire has seen more rain than we've been used to this week, with jumpers and coats brought out of the wardrobe after a long, hot summer. But, despite all the rain and dark clouds, the sun has made a few appearances.

It was also a big week for Gloucestershire's Missing Link project, as another milestone was reached, Gloucester Rugby won against Exeter Chiefs on Friday and some big cats are looking for new homes.

Golden hour: There's been plenty of rain and thunder clouds rolling across Gloucestershire this week. This snap was taken atop a hill in Cheltenham - thank you to Matt Patton for sending it in.

Going under the hammer: Gloucestershire's big cats are looking for new homes following the Lions at Large trail this summer, with each sculpture to be auctioned in October to raise money for proposed new cancer care facilities in Cheltenham.

Transforming textiles: The enterprise behind this creative sewing class at the Old Department Store in Cirencester is one of 22 projects in the Cotswolds to receive support through the Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund. More than £238,000 is being invested in rural communities across the Cotswolds, from village hall roof replacements to Remnant Revolution, a female-led social enterprise that transforms unwanted textiles into homeware.

Practice makes perfect: Nailsworth Silver Band are representing the West of England of in the National Brass Championships this weekend. The band, which is more than a century old, is one of 74 to be taking part in the event at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Kick off: Gloucester registered a perfect opening to their Prem Cup campaign with a 29-15 bonus-point victory over Exeter Chiefs in their Pool A fixture at Kingsholm on Friday night.

Wonderful water: This beautifully bright shot of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal mirroring the crisp autumn sky was taken in Frampton on Severn.

Missing Link milestone: After years of work, the first tarmacked section of the new A417 has appeared in the Cotswolds. Elsewhere on the route, more than 50 20 tonne concrete beams have been lowered into place to form what will become the new junction at Shab Hill.

Remembering: The University of Gloucestershire announced its upcoming 'Finding Ivy – a life worthy of life' exhibition, which will honour disabled victims of the Nazis, at the Oxstalls Campus. The exhibition will run from 15 to 25 September.

Rolling hills: We're lucky to have plenty of viewpoints to stop and soak in the views in hilly Gloucestershire, including this panoramic spot in Brookthorpe.

In London: Max Wilkinson, Cheltenham MP, was at the House of Commons to host a reception celebrating the launch of the new Skills Hub as part of the £1bn Golden Valley cyber development in Cheltenham. The hub will invest in various initiatives around the development of digital skills.