Wiltshire in Pictures: Half marathon and murals

It has been a week of sunny skies and cold evenings across the county, with jumpers and blankets being removed from storage for the first time since spring.

Taking advantage of the weather, the lions at Longleat have been posing for pictures and pears have been ripening at Stourhead. Meanwhile Swindon saw runners taking on its half marathon on Sunday.

A welcomed return: Runners took part in the Swindon Half Marathon on Sunday, the first to be held in the town since 2019. Those taking part in the 13.1 mile (21km) race began at Coate Water Country Park, running through the town's eastern suburbs and then south beyond the M4 motorway via Wanborough, Badbury and Medbourne. Well done to all of those that took part!

Picture purr-fect: The lions at the Longleat Estate near Warminster have been playing along as the park prepares to host a Top Trumps trail next month. The trail is due to open for the October half-term with six giant cards to be found and a limited-edition top trump card to be won.

Cash for cycles: The Royal Wootton Bassett Environment Trust are celebrating having received a grant from Sustain Wiltshire at last week's Sustain Britain Conference. The £50,000 grant will go towards improving cycle routes, restoring ponds and improving wildlife habitats in the town.

Paint Party: Wiltshire artist Sophie Mess has painted a colourful mural in Chippenham, completing it in just five days. The mural, which depicts "a medley of iris flowers" and an egret, can be seen on the wall of the Rivo Lounge.

Pear-fectly formed: With the autumn colours yet to fully emerge across the county, residents and visitors have to had to make do with this month's bumper autumn fruit crop. At Stourhead, apples and pears are available in return for donations, with many more ripe for picking.

Colour rush: Despite the county still looking green, there are a few early signs of the autumn colour to come. Many thanks to Weather Watcher Jo C for this lovely image from Market Lavington.