Northumberland County Council (NCC) have advised motorists driving through parts of Northumberland to be 'mindful' as the travelling community makes it way to the annual Appleby Horse Fair.

Motorists have been asked to pass slow and wide past these wagons especially when those going to the event use traditional horse drawn wagons, known as a Vardo, which will be making their way through the county over the coming days and weeks.

The annual fair attracts around 5,000 travellers across the UK and Europe, will take place between Thursday, 8 June until Wednesday, 14 June.

Every year it takes place in the town of Appleby-In-Westmorland and gives travellers who attends the event the chance to buy and sell their horses. It has existed under the protection of a Charter granted by James II since 1685. 

The migration period through Northumberland usually starts 10 days before and lasts for up to 10 days after the fair dates. 

The main routes affected by the migration are A69 - Newcastle to Hexham, A695 - Ryton to Hexham, A686 - Haltwhistle to Alston and return ,B6305 - Hexham to Langley. There is also a “B” route through Ponteland/Belsay/Matfen/Heddon-on-the-Wall and Horsley to Hexham.