Two dogs were rescued from a car at Appleby Horse Fair.

However, this was one of only a few incidents during the annual event, which has been otherwise hailed a success.

The 2017 gypsy and traveller fair came to a close today after four days.

The total number of caravans attending the Eden town was 112 fewer than last year, with 815 motorised caravans or trailers. However there were 176 bowtops or horse drawn caravans attending, up by 23 on last year.

Dr Robin Hooper, chairman of the Multi Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG)and chief executive of Eden Council, said: “The operational plan has been implemented successfully and the vast majority of people attending the fair have enjoyed the good atmosphere, despite some very wet weather."

Billy Welch, the Gypsy and Traveller representative on MASCG, added: “This year’s Fair has enjoyed a really positive atmosphere, even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits. All has been peaceful and quiet on Fair Hill, the traditional stopping place for Gypsies and Travellers at the Fair.”

Temporary Chief Superintendent Mark Pannone,the Gold Commander for Cumbria Police at Appleby Fair, urged people to take care on the roads as the caravans make their way home.

This year's main issue was the water levels in the River Eden, leading to a ban on entering it at several points during the fair.

The RSPCA and other animal welfare charities, including vets, addressed a number of animal welfare issues, including rescuing two dogs left in a car.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob Melloy, said: “The main concern for the RSPCA this year was the high water level of the River Eden where horse washing takes place.

"The sheer volume of rainfall in the lead up to and during the Fair meant on some occasions we had to close the River Ramp and Jubilee Ford on a precautionary basis to protect the safety of animals and the public.

“We have issued a number of warnings at this year’s Fair and have a number of on-going investigations. Most disappointingly, we had to rescue two dogs left in a car, despite prior warnings about the Fair not being a suitable event for dogs.

!I would like to emphasise that Appleby Horse Fair is a large scale event and it is only a small minority of people who attend the Fair that have little regard for animal welfare."