An annual pilgrimage from the North-East to a horse fair in Cumbria has started - and already upset locals.

More than 20 travelling families have parked their caravans and started grazing their horses on a large riverside green after breaking through a barrier put up to stop them.

They also took in a variety of lorries and insisted they were doing no wrong on the Demesnes - a picturesque public area in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Several local residents called for a stronger barricade to be erected to prevent travellers using it as a camping ground while on their way to Appleby horse fair in Cumbria.

The barrier - designed to let cars in but keep caravans and lorries out - was put up by Teesdale Council five years ago following complaints about mess and noise caused by travellers each year. Mounds of earth were added on each side of it.

The barricade has worked each year since then, but at the weekend it was damaged to allow big vehicles to be driven onto the land beside the Tees.

One man living nearby, who asked not to be named, said: "We had a great deal of trouble in the past and we want to ensure it does not start up again in future years.

"This new lot have been quite peaceful but if word spreads that the Demesnes is open again we will be overrun, and can look forward to a lot of filth and noise once more. The barrier wasn't strong enough. It was only a matter of time before someone decided to smash it. A new much stronger barricade will have to be arranged."

Teesdale Council chief executive Charles Anderson said: "It would be pointless to close the barrier now that the travellers are inside. We will wait until they go then review the situation and see what can be done for the benefit of the local residents."

The campers included families from Bishop Auckland, Newcastle, Stockton and other parts of the North-East.One man, who gave his name only as George, said: "It's a fine piece of flat land, so why shouldn't we pitch up for a few nights?

"It's an ideal place as we can wash our horses in the river and there is plenty grass for them to eat.

"We'll be here for only a short while. Travelling like this is part of our tradition."

A police spokesman said: "As far as we are concerned, the travellers have not caused any real problem, and we are not proposing any action. It is a matter for the council."

There have been regular protests from other parts of the dale, including Staindrop and Winston, where travellers camp at the roadside on their way to Appleby fair, which starts this weekend.