THOUSANDS of families enjoyed the thrills and spills of the annual Michaelmas Fair in Banbury this week.

From Wednesday to yesterday the town centre was transformed with fairground rides, coconut shies and food stalls.

The majority of the fair was located in Horsefair, North Bar and Bridge Street.

Joseph Powell, three, from Warwick, enjoyed his ride on the car carousel.

His grandfather Bryan Powell, from Banbury, said: “Joseph had a great evening.

“This was the first time he had been to the fair so it was no wonder he didn’t want to go home.”

The fair, which dates back more than 400 years, was opened when the fairground owners handed a traditional golden key to Cherwell District Council vice-chairman Chris Heath, and Banbury Mayor Tony Mepham .

Mr Heath said: “ Whether it was a youngster on their first ride, a teenager testing their nerve on a thrillseeker or adults just soaking up the atmosphere, there was something for everyone.”