TRAVELLERS arrived in Clacton today barely a day before the Airshow is due to start.

Fortunately, they left the site within two hours after being "persuaded" by the police and Tendring Council.

Two caravans arrived at the greensward at 10am today, where the air show will be held.

The travellers reportedly removed a security barrier to gain access to the site.

Council staff then blocked off the site using vehicles to prevent further caravans arriving.

Tendring Council and Essex Police negotiated with the travellers, asking they leave before more than 220,000 visitors descend on Clacton for the airshow, which starts tomorrow.

The travellers told council staff they intended to stay at the site for 48 hours.

But after talks with the council and police they decided to leave.

"They were persuaded to leave. We are putting measures in place to make sure they won't come back. It's a huge sigh of relief for the momebnt," added council spokesman Nigel Brown.