THE centuries-old tradition of gipsy horse flashing is set to return at next month's Yarm Fair.

Cleveland police have agreed to lift a ban imposed last year after a horse ridden by a young boy careered out of control at the 2001 fair.

Flashing involves gipsies riding down the High Street to show off their horses prior to the sales.

After several meetings over the past year between police, Yarm Town Council and the travellers' solicitor, David Yorke, it has been agreed that the flashing can return, provided safety rules are followed.

Philip Addison, chairman of the town council, said: "The horse flashing will go ahead this year and the travellers will police the event themselves.

"About ten or fewer horses will be allowed to canter and trot in the high street but will not be allowed to ride at full whack."

A tradition where Romany Lawrence Wood trots his pony behind a steam tractor and trailer while the Ridings of the Fair are read has also been reinstated.

Mark Turnbull, a supporter of the gipsies, said: "We are delighted that the horses will be back this year.

"The public were sorely disappointed when it was cancelled last year.

"My father-in-law, Mr Yorke, has supported the travellers in talks with the police and we've all worked really hard for this.

"But the travellers will have to agree to the conditions or we'll end up losing the gipsy fair for good."

An area between the post office and the bridge will be cordoned off with red and white tape and metal barriers so that the flashing can take place for 20 minutes.

However, the chamber of trade for Yarm remains unhappy that the fair is being held in the high street at all.

Stephanie Richardson, the chairman of the chamber, said: "There is nowhere for customers to park during the fair so many shops just close down for that week.

"We would prefer an alternative venue, perhaps on the riverbank."

Yarm Fair is held from October 15-18.