FAIRGROUND fun was enjoyed by young and old alike in Chipping Sodbury at the weekend.

The return of the biannual Mop fair saw Broad Street turned into a funfair on Friday and Saturday with rides including a hall of mirrors, helter skelter and traditional swing carousel as well as more modern exhilarating rides.

The fair was originally started by the founder of Chipping Sodbury, William Crassus, in the 12th century as a way of finding new labourers to work the land each season. In more recent times, it had become associated with underage drinking and the police were forced to commit extra manpower to patrolling the fear. But in the last few years, since the fair was scaled back from covering the whole High Street and parts of Wickwar Road, it has returned to its roots as a family-friendly fairground.

Neighbourhood PC Mike Hart said: “I’d like to thank the public for once again helping to make sure the Mop fair was a good-natured event.

“Neighbourhood PCSOs were on patrol over the weekend as were special constables and we’re very grateful to the volunteer police officers who give up their own time to support us.”