REVELLERS from far and wide descended on pubs in Swindon for the annual Stratton Stroll.

Starting at the newest addition to the route, the Bakers Arms, drinkers wound their way around seven watering holes in the parish before finally making it to the last stop at the Rat Trap. It was all to raise cash for Swindon Carers.

Live bands played under perfect sunny skies as the crowds began to fill up the pubs by midday.

Clare Shoesmith, who was manning the outside bar at the Crown Inn, told the Adver: “We’re well equipped this year and have got all the staff working today. Nice and steady that’s what we want, we want people to come and enjoy it and have a bit of fun, it brings everyone together doesn’t it.

“They’re being very well behaved at the moment, even putting their rubbish in the bins.”

Matt Middleton, had travelled from the Isle of Wight to come to Stratton. He said: “It’s a good laugh.

"The best thing is the atmosphere. It’s a really good day out for everybody.”

Dave Macdivitt, originally from Stratton, said: “We started out with a meal at The Dockle to line the stomach a bit.

"It’s just carnage from now on, but good carnage. Just nice and relaxed drinking and some good bands.

"We’ve got the weather with us so it should be very good indeed.

“I’m always still standing, the rest might not be, but I’ll do my best. It’s perfect, we’ve got sun and music.”

Usually the annual pub crawl is held after Stratton Festival, the biggest event in parish’s calendar, but organisers moved it forward three weeks due to availability of the live bands.

Owner and landlady at the New Inn Karen Longman said: “It’s always brilliant, everyone’s happy, the sun's shining. Definitely an improvement moving it forward a few weeks.

“A lot of the local Stratton people didn’t want to come out this year because it’s become so big they don’t want to get a beer in their own locals. They tend to do it the other way around, so the way that the stroll goes they do it backwards, so don’t bump into the crowds.”

Performer and guitarist Darren Hunt, who played at set at the New Inn at 6pm, said “It’s a good vibe, a good day, people are out enjoying the weather. There’s a lot of good bands on. I’ve got to stay sober. That’s the typical life of a musician. It’s probably more of a stagger by the end of the day I imagine.”