SHEEP in guises will create a stunning spectacle at a town's biggest community festival.

Creative Stow Primary School pupils have transformed 150 model sheep into colourful characters, from a mermaid to a bumble bee for Stow Cotswold Festival.

The flock will be on parade for the best decorated sheep competition, in St Edward’s Hall.

The competition, devised by Stow and District Civic Society, will be judged by Newlands of Stow Care Home.

Cotswold Sheep, also known as ‘Lions’ for their mane-like fleeces, are being bought by farmers Jonathan and Mel Brunyee.

Mr Brunyee said: "Our sheep are very gentle, big, dopey and friendly once you get to know them.

“Cotswold "Sheep fell out of favour because they’re a wool breed and we don’t wear wool as much now.

"They’re also a heavy breed and slower-growing when it comes to meat production.

“But I value rare breeds and genetic diversity.

"We needed to do something different and tell a story which is a crucial part of our heritage.

"Robert Garne at Aldsworth had the last flock in the country, with 200 for sale.

"We bought some along with Joe Henson at Cotswold Farm Park and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, amongst others."

Sheep are being celebrated at the event, from 11am to 11pm on Saturday July 15, as part of Cotswold life, crafts and heritage.

Festival-goers will be able to buy replica sheep piggy-banks to decorate themselves.

The Brunyees will have meat boxes on sale at the festival and host a guess the weight of the fleece competition.

Rural crafts to see include a dry-stone walling competition, a green woodworker, birds of prey handling and bee-keeping.

Cotswold alpacas will be on show and grazing sheep can be spotted from tours up St Edward’s Church tower.

Other entertainment includes craft, food and charity market stalls, shops spilling onto the pavements and performances from fire-eater and escapologist John Haynes, Cotswold School band and Beacon Gospel Choir. Children can guess the giant monkey’s birthday and enjoy a treasure hunt, games, roundabouts and face-painting. Artefacts marking the Civil War’s 1646 Battle of Stow are also on view in St Edward’s Hall.

Dancing starts at 7pm to band Monkey Jam, with local food and refreshments all available.

Festival profits will benefit local charities Kate’s Home Nursing, Great Western Air Ambulance and Stow Primary School.