A PAIR of Royal Wootton Bassett mums hope that painting rocks can tempt youngsters out into the fresh air.

Ceri Tranter and Rachel Mason will organise a two day rock painting extravaganza next weekend.

Once they are painted the rocks will be hidden around Royal Wootton Bassett. The event is backed by Swindon Scrapstore, who will donate painting materials.

Ceri, 40, said: “This is about getting the community involved and promoting people getting out in the fresh air.

“It’s important to do that, because people nowadays don’t do enough together. We’ve lost all of that community spirit.”

The pair say they want to encourage people to paint their own rocks – as well as find new hiding places for any colourfully-painted stones they find tucked out of sight in secret plots around Royal Wootton Bassett. The town council has given its support, although it has said that the rocks cannot be placed around iconic public memorials.

Rachel, 32, added: “This is something people can continue doing. It’s about getting children to think about doing something different.”

They hope that their rock painting events will raise hundreds of pounds for Prospect Hospice. It is a cause close to the hearts of both women, whose close relatives and friends have been treated at the Wroughton hospice.

The rock painting will be held on Saturday, May 5, at the Cross Keys Inn, Royal Wootton Bassett, with sessions at 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. £2 per person. Tickets must be booked in advance.

The rocks will be hidden around the town the following day, with people meeting outside the Cross Keys Inn at 11.30am.

For tickets, visit the R.W.B. Rocks Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/191746481619871.