IT IS a tradition that stretches back centuries but one that still manages to attract crowds in their droves.

Hundreds flocked to the normally quiet village of Wickham to see the annual horse fair race into action.

They watched in fascination at the age-old tradition as dozens of horses were ridden bareback along Winchester Road, while shire horses and Shetland ponies decorated with ribbons and straw paraded up and down the street.

Horse-driven carts were also raced along the route as part of the event staged by the travelling community every May.

Despite the showery weather, crowds thronged to the Wickham Horse Fair that has been a regular event in the village since the 1200s, when it was given a royal charter. Now it is one of only two major horse fairs still running in the country.

Organiser Eddie Goddard, 55, whose family has been co-ordinating the event for centuries, said: "It is part of our tradition. It never takes much organising because everybody knows about it. We have been doing it for centuries and always will.

"It is always nice to see big crowds but trade hasn't been that busy so far today so hopefully it will pick up around the markets and fair."

Wickham resident John Paul McGarry, 20, said: "I think it is important that the tradition keeps going. It is part of our village history and should continue."

About 30 officers were policing the fair and apart from a few minor public order incidents the event passed off peacefully.

Representatives from the RSPCA were also on hand to keep a watching brief on events.

Inspector Alan Browning said: "We are here just to make sure everything goes smoothly.

"Obviously there are animals involved and we are just here to make sure the event goes well for all involved."

Members of the travelling community started arriving from Monday evening while road blocks were put in place from 5am yesterday.

Traffic was diverted around the village as The Square and Winchester Road through the village were cordoned off to make way for the horse racing and funfair that was running through the day and into the night.