THE wheels are in motion for a popular funfair to return to its hometown.

Next week Stokes' Funfairs will return to Oswestry where it was founded almost 100 years ago.

The funfair – which has not had a base in the town for nearly 10 years – will be spinning into town on September 19-21 and Alan Stokes, who's grandfather started the company before the Second World War, is delighted to be bringing it back.

"We've not had a site in Oswestry for years," Alan said.

"I'm glad we're able to come back, I was brought up in Oswestry and it's a town we've been involved with for many years.

"My grandfather started it, then my father took over, then I did and now my sons help too. It's a family business.

"We're coming back to bring the funfair for the children who have missed it since we were last here."

The funfair had previously been based at the Smithfield site in Shrewsbury Road, where it had been entertaining people for more than eight years.

And prior to there it had been based at the current Sainsbury's site in Black Gate Street for more than 30 years.

"The council have been very good to me and tried to find us new sites for the fair when the land has been bought," Alan added.

"We asked them if we could bring back the September funfair and the council approved for us to use the car park behind Argos.

"This will be a trial run to see whether it's successful there or not.

"I hope our return is well supported and people enjoy it."

The funfair will be based at Smithfield car park, just off Festival Square, between 5pm and 9pm on the above dates.