A BIT of bad weather was not going to deter thousands of gypsies and travellers as they started to arrive at Appleby Horse Fair today.

Hundreds of caravans, horse-drawn carts and wagons descended on the small town of Appleby, which has a population of about 2,500.

And more than 30,000 visitors are expected to join them at the week-long fair which is the biggest gypsy and traveller gathering in Europe.

Highlights include the traditional washing of horses in the River Eden while there are also several market style stalls and fortunes to be told.

Gypsy and traveller spokesman, Billy Welch, said he was thrilled to be at the fair once again and praised everyone for making the journey go smoothly.

He said: “We are British gypsies so our spirits are still high. We are having a good laugh at the weather and it’s going to fair up as the week goes on.”

Mr Welch said the Roma flag had officially been raised to mark the start of the fair which will be held until June 13.

He added: “Everything is going well and like clockwork.”

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said the council was part of the Teesdale Residents and Travellers Forum, which works to manage the migration to Appleby by providing Temporary Stop Over Areas (TSOAs).

There are seven TSOAs in the south west of the county this year which offer facilities such as port-toilets and refuse collection.

He said: “TSOAs can be offered as a suitable alternative to communities if they are encamped in an area too close to local residents or businesses.

“In this way, the provision of TSOAs allows us to ensure that the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller communities are met, as well as those of local residents and businesses.”