APPLEBY welcomed its first visitors to this year’s Horse Fair this morning with a large number of bow tops arriving in the area.

The gates opened officially at 4am and the policing operation is well underway as the camping areas start to fill up with families who have travelled far and wide to enjoy the event.

Superintendent Sean Robinson, who is leading the policing operation for the fair, said: “Everyone appears to be in good spirits, the migration onto the camping areas went well this morning, with some disruption to traffic but we tried to keep this to a minimum.

"Multi-Agency Strategic Coordination Group (MASCG) have worked all year with local surrounding communities in preparation of the fair and will continue to do so throughout the weekend.

"We listen to their concerns and try to address these each year in order to make the fair safe and enjoyable for all.

"MASCG will meet each morning and discuss events from the day before and try to address any issues that may have arisen. Meetings will also take place each night with the Community Group which have been successful each year."

He added: "MASCG want to thank visitors and local residents for their cooperation and support over the last few weeks. We hope that everyone remains in good spirits and continues to enjoy the family event."

Cumbria police said road safety will continue to be a priority throughout the day, with bow tops continuing to move into the area.

They have advised motorists to continue to be careful when driving in the area, with the risk of slow moving vehicles being around the corner.

RSPCA have issued advice about bringing dogs to the fair.

Chief Inspector Rob Melloy said: "Dogs shouldn’t be brought to the fair at all; it is quite simply not a place for them. Horses can get 'spooked' by dogs and dogs can get trampled by horses.

"Fortunately the two dogs pulled out of hot cars last year were okay but that could easily not have been the case.

"I don’t know what it takes for people to get the message that dogs die in hot cars. It happens fast. If you leave your dog in your car on a hot day it will happen to you.

"Do your dog a favor, leave it at home."

Caravans and awnings can also get hot on even cloudy days. The RSPCA is working with Cumbria Constabulary on a zero tolerance approach to this and where dogs are considered to be in danger they will be removed.