French travellers have set up camp at Cheltenham Racecourse just weeks before the start of racing season.

Both the police and the local council are powerless to act after more than 30 caravans arrived on Cheltenham’s private grounds.

The racecourse has begun legal proceedings to evict the travellers from the area, which will be swamped with racegoers when the racing season begins in earnest next month.

Cheltenham management believe the travellers are making their way to London and only intend to stay for a few days.