A HOG roast, special church services and all the fun of the fair will return to The Leys in Witney next week at the annual Town Feast.

Hundreds of people are expected to make their way to the historic fair, which has featured in the town's calendar since 1243.

The customary mix of fairground classics and newer white-knuckle rides will travel from St Giles in Oxford to the town on Monday and Tuesday.

The fair dates back to the consecration of St Mary's Church, when the town was given a deer to feast on, an event that has been celebrated every year since.

The two-day feast is now more of a time for youngsters to sample the latest nail-biting rides, but the religious connection is still kept alive with the famous open air fairground service by St Mary's Church.

Parish warden Steve Holborough said the church would be holding their annual exhibition of artwork for visitors to view each day.

He said: "It’s a very fun time for everyone, but of course essentially it is the feast of St Mary.

"The Sunday service, opening the fair, will go on as usual and will be followed by the special fairground service at the galloping horses carousel at 6pm.

"This year we are also having an exhibition by Witney Camera Club and some charity stalls. The church will be open from 9am through to 10pm each day and there will be refreshments for anyone who wants to look around at the exhibitions."

Ahead of the fair, bell ringers from St Mary's Church will give a demonstration this morning.

The church will also take the opportunity to rededicate its flag, which will fly from the top of the church on high days and holidays.