AN impromptu hair cut was enjoyed by one traveller at the May gathering of Stow Gypsy Fair when Michael Douglas, from BBC 1's The One Show called in to film an episode.

The celebrity hairdresser who has a regular slot, the Street Barber, on the prime-time TV show said it was his first time in Stow and the first time he had attended a horse fair.

He chatted to traveller John Doe as he cut his hair in a requested 'flat top' style and Mr Doe explained the history of the fair.

"It's been really good and it's gone really well," said Michael after filming finished. "I have never owned a horse, nor had any intention of doing so, so I was a bit anxious about coming here, but I have been overwhelmed by the welcome I've received from everyone. I've really enjoyed it."

The episode is due to be aired in June.

Elsewhere on Maugersbury Road field, thousands enjoyed a sunny day as travellers showed off the horses they had brought to sell at the first of the year's horse fairs.

Stall holders selling everything from shoes and clothes, to artificial gateaux for kitchen decorations, carpets, china, DVDs and saddlery, lined the two avenues around the outside of the field.

At various points around the site, music would strike up and the travellers showcased their tap-dancing skills on a square of board.

Veteran traveller Bruce Pipes, 77, said it was the social gathering he enjoyed, though on this occasion it was a stop-off between Cornwall and Burton-on-Trent where he was moving to.

"I still sell a few bits and pieces, but mainly just come to meet up with people. I bet I know most of the travellers here," he said.

Ted Sykes, who also comes to the twice-yearly fair in May and October, said too enjoyed the company. "Fortunately the weather's a lot better than it was last year; very few stayed last year," he said.

He said he was pleased the fair was able to carry on after a planning application for a doctors' surgery on the gypsy field was turned down last year in favour of an adjacent site at Tall Trees.

"It is good news. People come from all over the country to the fair," he said.

Stall holders reported a brisk trade. Jenny Turley, from Sedgeley, who runs a baby clothes business said: "Trade has been OK. There are a lot more people about this year because of the sun so that's helped.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire police said the fair had gone smoothly and there had been no reported incidents overnight on Friday or during the day on Saturday.