In a locked-down camp, strict rules are in force the gypsy and traveller community, who are taking extra precautions to ensure they can get to the other side of the global pandemic.

The decision to cancel the Appleby Horse Fair 2020, in line with government advice about avoiding large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A message comes from Billy Welch, who helps co-ordinate the Fair is known as the Shera Rom or Head Gypsy he said: “We have stopped all visitors to our camp but are still taking the time to care for our animals and those who are really vulnerable.

“The decision to cancel the fair was an important one. We want to protect ourselves and those round us.

“At the end of the day, we have to follow the guidelines set out to us by the prime minister.

“We are extremely disappointed to have to make this announcement, it would be irresponsible for the Fair to go ahead at a time when everyone must do everything they can to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“It is not just disappointing for the Gypsy and Traveller community but for the settled community too and the local economy. People’s health must come first, which is why the Fair – along with other events across the country – cannot take place.

“When the Fair was cancelled in 2001 during foot and mouth, the Gypsy and Traveller community respected the decision and stayed away and I am confident of the same response now.

“Everybody in the UK needs to pull together now and do their best to beat this terrible virus.

“This will be only the second time the Fair has not taken place in the past 250 years. However, the Fair will be back and it will be better than ever.”

The annual gathering is an event with no organiser it sees tens of thousands of Gypsies and Travellers, as well as visitors, travel to Appleby-in-Westmoreland.

Mr Welch added: “There is light at the end of the tunnel if we all keep safe.”