Pubs have reportedly been advised to close by police as hundreds of mourners descend on Epsom this week for a traditional Gypsy funeral.

The funeral of Sylvia Smith, understood to be a leading member of the Gypsy community, is set to take place on Wednesday.

UPDATE: Gypsy family apologise for inconvenience as up to a thousand mourners expected for funeral tomorrow

UPDATE: 10 facts you may not know about Gypsy funerals

Permission has been granted for the bereaved family to have a bonfire, according to tradition, and grieving relatives and friends may be allowed to park on a recreation ground in Ewell.

It is believed there will be a service at Christ Church, Epsom Common, at midday then a funeral at Epsom Cemetery at 1pm.

Yesterday Ewell resident Suzy Massey said: "Ewell Village is a ghost town today with most of the pubs shut and intending to stay shut for most of this week.

"Apparently, there will be a travellers’ funeral in Ewell this week and the pubs have closed in anticipation of the number of people coming to Ewell.

"London Road Recreation Ground has been commandeered for the caravans to be parked on."

An Epsom Council spokesman said the council is monitoring the situation and may allow cars to park on the recreation ground if space is needed and ground conditions are right.

He said it understands that family have sought permission from the fire brigade to have a fire in a skip near their home - believed to be in Shortcroft Road, Ewell.

The council spokesman said: "They are expecting quite a few people and have alerted us. They have done everything correctly. They have been acting very responsibly."

A pub patron said: "I was informed in my local pub last night that police are advising pubs in Epsom and Ewell to close until Wednesday due to a traveller's funeral on Wednesday."

A police spokesman said: "Surrey Police has been made aware of a traveller funeral taking place in Epsom tomorrow.

"Officers have advised local publicans to expect a large number of extra people in the area as a result, but have not told licenced premises to close".

On Sunday evening the Famous Green Man announced on Facebook: "Due to essential maintenance works, the Green Man will be closed tomorrow, Monday 16th and possibly even Tuesday and Wednesday."

Do you know more about what is happening or did you know Sylvia Smith? Please leave a comment below or email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk