CHIPPING Sodbury came to life with the return of the popular biannual Mop Fair.


The fair took place on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 with the usual fairground rides and collection of stalls on offer to the public in the town.


People who attended the fair were treated to an array of games and sweet stalls and got involved with modern fairground rides.


Fair organiser, William Porter, said: "The fair was busier than previous years, we had quite a lot of people on both days and generally had the weather on our side. Lots of families had a go on the range of rides on offer, which were for all ages, and it went really well.


"The next fair, in September, is already organised, and almost ready to take place."


Chairman of the Sodbury Town Council markets committee, Paul Robins, said: "For most of the showmen, the Chipping Sodbury Mop Fair traditionally marks the start of the fair season.


"I attended the Mop Fair on both days this year, bringing my grandchildren along, and had a great time.


"Both times the fair was extremely busy and there was overall a lovely atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves and like every year, there was a great set up of stalls, and everything seemed well under control.


"It was another great event."


The fair is steeped in tradition and was originally started in the 12th century by the founder of Chipping Sodbury, William Crassus, who used it as a way of finding new labourers to work the land each season.