GYPSIES and travellers from across the UK and further afield have started to make their way to Cumbria for an annual horse fair.

The Appleby Horse Fair returns next week, from June 7 to June 10, and the bow-tops and caravans have already started making their way to the Eden town.

During the annual festival, the normally quiet streets are packed with families, traders, bargain seekers and horses.

One of the key spectacles of the week-long fair is the customary washing of the horses in the River Eden - a convention of the fair to groom the stallions, nags and foals into pristine condition ready for sale. A more dramatic sight is the animals galloping up and down the flash lane in an attempt to persuade a buyer.

While Appleby itself, as well as the gypsies, travellers and visitors in attendance are getting ready for the annual pilgrimage, the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) which works to make the fair safe for everyone has issued a number of warnings.

Supt Mark Pannone, of Cumbria Police, said: “Road safety is one of the most important aspects throughout the entirety of the fair, but particularly when gypsies and travellers begin making their way to Appleby.

“We need drivers to be aware that they could come across very slow-moving horse-drawn vehicles as they use the road network at this time of year. We need drivers to not only be aware of this fact but to adjust the manner of their driving accordingly to help ensure that everyone completes their journeys safely.

“For those travelling to the fair on horse-drawn vehicles, we would urge them to make themselves as visible as possible to other road users, particularly when travelling on major routes.”

People travelling to the fair are urged to plan their journey before setting off, to not arrive before June 7 and to use the temporary stopping places provided.

In South Lakeland, a number of stopping places have been opened up for those still making their way to the fair.

The temporary stopping points in South Lakeland are available until Thursday June 7, and following the fair from Monday June 11, to Friday June 15.

They are located at Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale; Middleton Common, near Sedbergh; Rawthey Bridge, Cautley; and Scrogg Bank, Sedbergh.

Skips and toilets are provided at all of the sites, and water is available at Devil’s Bridge and Scrogg Bank.

SLDC enforcement officers and police officers will be regularly visiting the temporary stopping sites during the periods of occupation to ensure they and the facilities are being used safely.