A boot fair has been cancelled, and a play area closed for sanitisation, after a large group of travellers left a popular recreation ground.

About a dozen caravans have been on Hythe Green since arriving last week but they were seen leaving this afternoon.

The green, often used for boot fairs as well as circus and community events, is owned by Hythe Town Council.

The boot fair due to be held this week by Hythe Rotary Club has been cancelled in wake of the group's departure.

A club spokesman said: "Due to the unexpected occupation of the Green with the consequent damage and pollution which all have to brought back to standard we regret to say we have to cancel this week’s Boot Fair.

"We are very apologetic but these circumstances are outside our control."

A clean-up operation is ongoing and council officers are working to prevent similar from happening again.

"We are very apologetic but these circumstances are outside our control"

A town council spokesman said: "The visitors have now vacated the Green and measurements are underway to secure the perimeter.

"An assessment on the debris and damage is being conducted by Hythe Town Council.

"Please can we ask all residents to avoid using the play area and the site where the encampment was situated in the far corner for the next 48 hours, as our environmental team will be clearing the site and sanitising the play area."

Last week, travellers pitched up at a seaside car park in Swalecliffe, where a height barrier had been broken, before moving on last Thursday.

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