The first day of the largest Gypsy and Traveller event of its kind in Europe has been marred by the death of a horse.

Appleby Horse Fair, which dates back 250 years, is expected to attract around 30,000 people and officially continues until Wednesday.

Thousands of people have gathered ahead of the Cumbrian weekend many gypsies arriving in convoys of traditional horses and carts as well as more modern caravans.

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA) Every year horses are washed in the River Eden as part of a tradition associated with the event.

But animal welfare has been thrown into the spotlight after reports of the death of a horse at the fair, believed to be from exhaustion.

“Appleby is one of the greatest celebrations of the horse in Europe and this tragic event is a stain on the fair that will be hard to wash out", said gypsy and traveller representatives Billy Welch, from Darlington, and Bill Lloyd in a joint statement.

"The fair attracts a diverse mix of people including gypsies and travellers, but the majority are settled people.

"The standard of horsemanship among gypsy people is usually high and they are often among the first to report abuse at the fair when they see it."

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA) Ahead of the fair, the Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (MASCG) which manages proceedings, and which includes traveller representatives, Westmorland and Furness Council and police, has put an emphasis on keeping the streets clean.

An additional 53 temporary litter bins are in place for this year’s fair, as well as 49 Portaloos to supplement existing facilities and extra staff will be available to assist with the final cleanup.

The MASCG has also put in place an 'improved traffic plan' this year.

Westmorland and Furness Council’s traffic management (Eden) and TTRO team leader, Laura McClellan, said: “The improvement to this year’s traffic management plan address issues raised over previous years and are intended to make the highway safe for all its users during the fair.”