An annual horse fair in Cumbria is exposing the public to serious safety risks according to a new report.

Concerns about the organisation, management and safety at the Appleby Horse Fair are being addressed by Eden District Council.

The event attracts thousands of visitors, travellers and horse dealers every June and is one of the most important events on the travellers' calendar.

But the publication of the new report means the event could face major changes in order to avoid serious safety risks to the public.

We have concerns that there could be a serious accident or even a fatality Elaine Lomas, Eden District Council

It claims the event is getting out of control.

Following the 2002 horse fair, Eden District Council received a number of complaints, particularly in relation to travellers camping on verges and causing disruption in villages around Appleby.

Elaine Lomas, principal environmental health officer at the council and author of the report, said changes need to be made to keep the historic event running.

She told BBC Radio Cumbria it is crucial public safety is addressed.

She said: "The report is addressing the main concerns that have been raised by the new fair committee.

"The main concern of the council relates to the horse racing area where the travellers show off their horses for sale, they pace them in sulkys up and down the road.

Generations have enjoyed the horse fair

"There are many hundreds of spectators who like to walk along that area and there have been accidents each year.

"We have concerns that there could be a serious accident or even a fatality.

"We are looking to re-site the horse race track and to put that onto land belonging to a local farmer.

"This means the horse racing and pedestrians can be kept totally separate.

"Other issues we are looking at are a Park and Ride scheme. There are up to 30,000 cars entering Appleby on the busiest days and there are only 2,500 parking places within the town."

The proposals in the report will be considered when Eden District Council's environment committee meets on Thursday.