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Wiltshire in pics: cows, Crufts and challenges

BBC A cow with it's nose covered in straw looking curiously into the camera. Another behind it also looks in the direction. They are in a barn.BBC

A surprised snake, artificial intelligence on farms and artwork fit for a king have all been a part of Wiltshire life in the past week. There have been some big achievements too - including a Crufts winner.

A touch screen for a milking robot showing different options and a diagram of the machinery as well as information about each cow.

Milking it: farmers in Wiltshire have been telling the BBC how useful AI robotics has been in milking cows. Neil Ridgeway, from Stowell Farm near Marlborough, and Josie Catley, from Mile Elm near Calne, would both recommend it to other farmers.

BeatMedia/The Kennel Club Laura, in a green T-shirt with hair tied back, has her arm around border collie Endeavour and holds a rosette in the other hand. A glass trophy is next to them.BeatMedia/The Kennel Club

A serious endeavour: border collie Endeavour and owner Laura Chapman, from Salisbury, won The Kennel Club Agility Championships for medium dogs at Crufts. She said: "Endeavour was absolutely amazing. This is something I've dreamt of for years, so for it to happen, it's like a dream come true."

Shannon Furey A snake is by a water bowl in a terrarium. It is looking up and at the camera.Shannon Furey

Sss'not possible: A snake found in a toilet in sheltered housing is said to be doing well. Swindon Borough Council had to remove the snake, now known as Geraldine, and it is in the care of Shannon Furey, owner of Cold-Blooded Creatures.

4barsrest A group of people dressed smartly in suits gathered for the camera all smiling or looking thrilled as two in front hold a large trophy and others hold an Aldbourne flag.4barsrest

Small village, big trophy: Aldbourne Band - based at the village near Marlborough - has won the Championship Section of the West of England Brass Band competition. Judges described the performance as "musical, masterful, and breath-taking".

Wiltshire Police A drone shot of more than 100 children looking upwards in guides and brownies uniform. Next to them are police officers and two police cars in a green field.Wiltshire Police

One for the sash: More than 100 brownies and girl guides have received their Wiltshire Police Challenge badge. Activities included designing your own police force, a training exercise to solve a crime and learning about uniform and equipment before doing a public order challenge.

Neil Goodwin A painting of a man with short white beard, black hat and red robe as he looks slightly into the distance.Neil Goodwin

Fit for a King: Councillor Nick Fogg MBE, who has been Marlborough's mayor three times, has had his portrait revealed. It was created by Rupert Alexander, who has painted Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales. It shows Mr Fogg during his mayoral year 2023-2024. It is believed to be only the second portrait of one of the town's mayors in full regalia in 820 years.

Swindon Borough Council Birds-eye view of a building site along a road to make it a bus interchange. Two buses test out a lane.Swindon Borough Council

Testing, testing: Swindon Borough Council has given a peek into how the new bus interchange along Fleming Way in the town is taking shape. Swindon's Bus Company and Stagecoach have also been testing it out, driving along one of the lanes to see if the layout works.

Wiltshire Police An office-type room with a set of table and chairs. On it, a lunch box and bowl has been place with folded yellow paper to look like crime scene labels. On the floor, muddy footprints have been purposely put in place.Wiltshire Police

Cake theft: police in Devizes faked a chocolate cake theft crime scene at Chirton C of E (VC) Primary School this week to teach the pupils about solving crimes. Students learned about methods like DNA, fingerprinting and mobile phone data.

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