FINAL preparations are under way for the return this week of one of the region’s oldest street fairs.

High Street, in Yarm, near Stockton, will be taken over by a number of traders and funfair rides for the three-day event which starts on Thursday.

However, the road will be closed for several hours from 5.30pm tomorrow to allow members of the Showmen’s Guild to set up.

Members of the travelling community meet at Yarm Bridge in the build-up to the event as they are traditionally not allowed to cross the Riover Tees and enter the town until 6pm on Tuesday.

Travellers take part in a traditional horse riding event through the town on Saturday morning.

The fair, which has been held annually since the early 1900s, includes a range of funfair rides and entertainment.

John Culine, of the Northern Section of the Showmen’s Guild, said: “The public always turns out in good numbers on our annual visit to Yarm each October. Every year it seems to be more popular and we always look forward to bringing the fair back.

“This year, we have assembled the finest rides and attractions to be found anywhere in the world with fantastic giant white-knuckle rides down to the traditional fun of the carousel.

“Hopefully, the weather will be kind once again and we like invite everyone to savour the unique atmosphere.”

During the fair, High Street will be closed between Bridge Street and Bentley Wynd on Thursday and Friday, from 6pm to midnight, and on Saturday between 10.45am and midnight.

Signed diversions will be via West Street. A free parkand- ride service will run every 15 to 20 minutes from the Oakwood Centre, Durham Lane, Eaglescliffe, from 6pm, with the last bus leaving Yarm at 11.50pm.

On Saturday, access to Silver Street and the supermarket car park will be from the Yarm Bridge end of the High Street only. Information will be placed on affected bus stops ahead of the closures.