CUMBRIA police officers who manage events at the famous Appleby Horse Fair have offered to speak to councillors in Yarm, where a safety review of spectacular, traditional displays of gipsy horsemanship at the High Street, known as flashing, is underway.

Appleby Fair is a major summer event, attracting large numbers of travellers and horse traders to the Eden Valley town. But it is not without its controversy or opposition, as in Yarm, where Cleveland police banned flashing during last autumn's fair.

Yarm Town Council is keen that flashing is revived, and there is strong public support for the dramatic displays.

Horses are kept near The Meadowings but displayed along the High Street when buying and selling takes place.

Cleveland police banned flashing last year after one animal ridden by a young boy became out of control.

At its latest meeting, Yarm Town Council discussed the Appleby police offer.

Yarm town clerk, Peter Woods, had written to Appleby Town Council. "It has not replied, but the police did. They pointed out that they did not have a problem with horses (on the street) because they were kept in fields. Their situation is very different to ours. There are few similarities.

"They would like to come to our meeting, but the police in our area have declined until after the risk assessment is complete. However, the Appleby police offer is there and we can ask them for advice. Maybe we could invite them as observers and to get information?"

Alternatively, Coun David Henderson said the Appleby officers could be sent a copy of the risk assessment report.

Coun Gwen Porter said it would be better and polite if the Appleby officers came when their Cleveland counterparts were present.

"How would it look, if we invited them without the presence of our police?"

Mr Woods suggested a risk assessment report be sent to Appleby and then the officers be invited.

But Coun Jake Dale warned there appeared to be little common ground between different parties.

"This sounds like a jolly," he added. The council should emphasise to the Appleby officers that any trip to Yarm would be at their expense.