POLICE are using social networking site to  keep people up to date with events surrounding Appleby Horse Fair.

This is the second year that Barnard Castle neighbourhood police team has operated a Facebook page.

Officers will post regular updates to the webpage, including unfolding events, during the Appleby Horse Fair, which runs from June 6-13 at www.facebook-com/pages/Appleby-Horse-Fair-the-biggest-in-Europe

People can also use the page to post information or questions to the neighbourhood policing team.

Sergeant Simon Rogers, of Barnard Castle neighbourhood policing team, said: “It’s to provide a better flow of information to help reduce any possible concerns or tensions which may arise.

“Experience has shown that compromise and problem-solving is the most effective way of managing this community event.”

Many of the Gypsies and travellers will be passing through Barnard Castle and the surrounding area as the head towards the annual Cumbrian event.

Temporary stopover points, with water, portable toilets and rubbish collection, are at Wackerfield, Broomielaw, Shaw Bank, Winston crossroads and Guide Post corner, Bowes.

The sites at Broomielaw and Shaw Bank will open on Friday (May 24).

Measures have been taken to discourage trespass at Winston, Stainton Grove, Staindrop, Deerbolt Bank, Demesnes, Bridgegate, Flaxfield and Harmire Industrial Estate.