IT was a miserable day for the spring gypsy fair in Stow on Thursday when non-stop rain kept a lot of people away and turned the field between Maugersbury and Oddington roads into a quagmire.

Those who had turned out put on a brave face but most of the trade stands had started to pack up by 2pm and make their way off the field.

Stallholder Tammy Hoyland, from Birmingham, who was selling homeware products said she had been attending for a few years now but said this one would probably be her last.

"The weather hasn't helped today but not as many people come now. I think most of them go to the fair at Kenilworth now instead of here. It's a lot bigger so I don't think I'll be coming back to Stow," she said.

Visitor Sharon Smith, from Evesham, was also packing up the family bow top caravan at 2pm.

"We come to meet friends each May and October but there haven't been as many today. The weather is very poor and it's cold so we're going to make our way back," she said.

Rebecca Jackson from Doncaster who was at Stow fair with her Baby Doll Boutique stall said she was also packing up early because of the rain.

Sid Biddle, from Coventry, was at the fair with two of his coloured mares. "I've been coming here for the past 60 years and this is the quietest I've seen it. It's a shame because it was a lovely day yesterday," he said.

Despite the rain, those who had arrived were making the best of it. Three members of the O'Brien family, Bridie, 24, Mary 18 and Kelly, 16, said they liked having a look round and meeting their friends.

"It could be better," said Mary.

The future of the field where the fair is held is in doubt following the recent submission of a planning application to build a brand new medical centre and five houses. Initial plans were thrown out in April and a second application is expected to be determined at Cotswold District Council's planning committee meeting in July.

The field is owned by members of the gypsy community and they have agreed its sale for the proposed development though it is currently unknown where the fair would move to in the town if the development is built.