Traffic was gridlocked this morning north of Oxford as thousands of drivers headed for the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace.

During the rush-hour, traffic was at a standstill on the A44 approaching Woodstock, and an accident on A34 northbound just after the Peartree interchange added to the congestion.

A vehicle overturned and shed fuel, contributing to the long delays and traffic tailed back to the Abingdon North turn. Drivers also faced delays on the A420 and A40.

Royalty and celebrities will be joining the expected 138,000 visitors descending on the palace for the 50th anniversary Game Fair.

The event, which continues over the weekend, is the world's biggest sports exhibition and the national event for 50,000 owners of rural properties represented by the Country Landowners' Association.

Tomorrow, the Duke of Edinburgh will be popping in to tour the show and also present long service awards to gamekeepers.

Among the many celebrities expected to attend are Elaine Page and Bernard Cribbins, who have set their sights on raising money for The Children's Trust in a charity clay pigeon shoot.