FINAL plans are being put in place to make sure one of Hampshire's oldest events goes ahead without a hitch.

Hundreds of people are expected to descend on the village of Wickham, near Fareham, next Thursday, May 20, to visit the funfair and watch traders race their horse carts along Winchester Road.

The Wickham Horse Fair has been a regular event in the village since the 1200s, when it was given a royal charter. Now it is one of only two major horse fairs still running in the country.

It is expected that members of the travelling community, who co-ordinate the event, will start arriving from the Wednesday evening.

Meon Valley police will be drafting in a team of officers to handle events of the day and ensure traffic does not enter the village square.

Vice chairman of Wickham Parish Council Jenny Mallett said it was an annual celebration enjoyed by many people.

"All the older residents of Wickham are happy for it to go ahead," she said.

"I think it would be impossible for it to discontinue."

It is likely the A334 at Wickham will be closed to traffic in both directions from its junction with Buddens Road, north-west of the village square, to its junction with the A32, just south east of Wickham Square.

The closures will be in place all day.

Diversions will be in place along Buddens Road, Station Road, Mill Lane, Bridge Street and School Road. Wickham Square will be closed to all vehicles all day.