THE spectacular tradition of riding horses along Yarm High Street during the annual fair has become entangled in legal proceedings, after it was banned by police last month.

The dramatic display known as flashing demonstrates riders' ability and horses' power. It has old connections with livestock sales, held in the High Street until about ten years ago. Flashing continued to be a popular event.

Now a solicitor representing travellers has appealed to Cleveland police to overturn the ban. A meeting is to be held next week to see whether a compromise can be found.

Town council vice-chairman Coun Philip Addison said: "I think we'd like to see flashing continued. That's one of the reasons we're having this meeting with police and travellers next week.

"The public made their feelings pretty clear to us and the police at last month's fair. They want to see the horses. Lots of people come to see the horse flashing and the ridings - when civic leaders travel round Yarm's boundaries with showmen. It's all part of the tradition."

Cleveland Police said health and safety regulations, and public protection liability, made it impossible for horses to enter the High Street last month.

* Full story: page 7.