MORE than 500 people have been ‘baa-gging’ themselves free goodies on a sheep search which has seen families flocking to Chipping Sodbury High Street.

Earlier this summer, Sodbury Chamber of Commerce member Alice Hobbs was not sheepish in coming forward with her idea of a Sodbury Sheep Search to help promote Chipping Sodbury and fleece everyone for a few laughs.

But this was no sheep trick. It has proved a shear delight for hundreds of parents looking to entertain their youngsters during the school holidays and fill the gap left by last year’s hugely successful Gromit Unleashed trail across the whole of greater Bristol.

Alice, who runs Swagger gift shop in the town, said the search was bleating all expectations and was helping to highlight the town’s wealth of independent shops and cafes.

"Chamber of commerce members organised the Sodbury Sheep Search and we have been really pleased with how it has been received so far,” she said.

“It's brought a great feel good factor to the town amongst all of the traders taking part."

The search was launched at the start of the summer holidays and is for 25 lost little lambs which are hidden in various parts of the town. Each one has a name and participants need to find them all and write their location on a free colour trail map available from the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and participating shops and cafes.

Completed entries should be posted in a special box in the TIC before August 30 when a draw will take place with 25 lucky entrants winning their very own Sodbury sheep.

There is no age limit or entry fee and all entrants receive a specially-made I Love Chipping Sodbury balloon, until stocks run out. Smaller versions of the sheep are also available to buy.

The sheep are now starring in their own special EweTube video. Follow @Sodburysheep on Twitter or Sodbury Sheep Search on Facebook for further updates.