CHIPPING Sodbury’s mop fair is set to take over the town this weekend.

The biannual fair will take place on Broad Street on Friday, from 6pm to 10pm, and Saturday, from 2pm to 10pm, and will offer the usual fairground rides, stalls and shows.

Mayor of the town, Cllr Paddy Smith, said that he is looking forward to the event.

"It's going to be great, as always."

He added: "People should be aware that the toilets in the clock tower will be closed this year.

"There will be mobile toilets situated on the main street instead."

Steeped in tradition, the popular mop fair was started in the 12th century by William Crassus, founder of Chipping Sodbury.

He used the fair as a way of finding new labourers to work the land each season.

Drivers are warned that Broad Street will be closed between 7am on Friday, March 31 and midnight on Saturday, April 1.

Diversions will be in place during the hours of the mop fair.