THE village of Eastcombe is preparing to be invaded by scores of garden gnomes for families to discover, during the annual Gnome Hunt.

Organised by Eastcombe School Association to raise funds for the local primary school, the unique event is hoping to attract hundreds of visitors over the weekend of July 2 to 3, 2pm to 5pm.

Families will have the opportunity to explore this hilltop village sprinkled with honey-coloured Cotswold stone properties, winding lanes and glorious gardens, as they follow the trail, collect clues and solve the puzzle to be in with a chance of winning a rosy-cheeked, bearded gnome of their own.

Plus, there will be an optional section venturing into the stunning Toadsmoor Valley for the more adventurous with a special gnome medal up for grabs for all who finish; while the village section is, as always, pushchair-friendly with ice-creams available en-route.

Setting off from Eastcombe Primary School (Dr. Crouchs Road, GL6 7EA), where there’s set to be stalls and games galore for little ones to enjoy, the trail will finish with that quintessentially British tradition of a homemade cream tea.

Website:http://eastcombeprimaryschool.co.uk/eastcombe-school-association