This event has been running since the early 1600's and every June, travellers and gypsies descend on the town, which sits amidst the north Pennine hills, to buy and sell horses.
There is a timeless feel to the fair with horses being washed in the river and trotted at speed up and down a narrow lane crowded with spectators, in order to impress would be buyers.
At any other event the risks would be prohibitive, but after the police tried and failed to stop the event from going ahead in the 1980's, they now let this go unchallenged.
The humour was good though, in spite of the heavy rain, and at least the RSPCA now attend in force to try and ensure the animals' welfare.
I hope you enjoyed the photos.
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