DRIVERS faced major delays through Abingdon yesterday as the Michaelmas Fair got under way.

The annual two-day fair, which is open again from 11am to 10pm today fills the length of Ock Street, running for about a mile.

Roads have been closed off around Ock Street since 8.30am on Sunday and will remain in place until 9am tomorrow.

There were reports yesterday morning of long delays surrounding the closed-off area, which included the High Street, Market Place, Stratton Way, the Square and West St Helen Street.

The origins of the fair date back to the 14th century, when it was a hiring fair for labourers ahead of the winter season.

Over the years it transformed into a wonderland of games stalls, fairground rides and sideshows.

Thousands of families are expected to head down and it is hoped that shops, pubs and restaurants will benefit.

It is now hosted by the town council and organised by Birmingham-based Bob Wilson and Sons Funfairs Ltd.

Oxfordshire County Council have predicted severe delays for drivers throughout the road closure period and put in a diversion.

Temporary one-way traffic has been imposed in Lombard Street from West to East by the county council to help tackle to congestion.

All roads are hoped to reopen by 9am tomorrow.