Motorists are being warned to expect delays on Cumbria's roads as horse-drawn vehicles make their way to the biggest gypsy and traveller gathering in Europe.

Appleby Horse Fair is not due to start for a couple of weeks but travellers have been known to make their way to the county well ahead of the annual event.

The historic fair, between June 8 and 14, transforms the town and sees travellers gather to buy and sell horses.

It's a spectacle that attracts crowds of onlookers and which organisers say can see up to 50,000 visitors descend on the town.

Delays due to horse drawn trailers and caravans travelling to the fair are expected on the A66, junction 40 of the M6 and the A67.

The Multi Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) of public agencies and gypsy and traveller representatives, who work to make the annual gathering safer each year, is appealing for drivers to be aware of an increase in horse-drawn vehicles in the coming days.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Mark Pannone, Cumbria Constabulary’s Gold Commander for the horse fair, said: “We are committed to keeping the roads as safe as possible throughout the whole Fair.

"It is important for all road users to be aware of the large number of slow-moving horse-drawn vehicles that will be on the county’s roads during this time and to drive accordingly. For those travelling on horse-drawn vehicles, please make sure that you are visible to other road users particularly on the major routes."

“To increase the safety of road users we ask that those travelling to the Fair to work with us and plan their journey so they don’t arrive before 8 June and to use the temporary stopping places provided."