A HUGE police presence guided thousands of chanting football fans to the County Ground just before kick-off.

Thames Valley Police officers on horseback followed the crowd of Bristolians as Wiltshire officers created a safe path up Wellington Street, Milton Street, Fleming Way, the top of the Magic Roundabout and Shrivenham Road at 12pm today.

Several police cars and vans blocked the crowd in and diverted traffic as dog units sniffed out anything suspicious.

Shoppers stopped in their tracks to watch the unusual sight of one of Swindon's busiest roads being filled with people who chanted taunts about Swindon, threw drinks, and set off flares.

Town fans greeted them at the County Ground with jeers and gestures but despite the rowdy atmosphere, most people seemed to be behaving themselves.

Bristol fans had arrived in good spirits this morning and crowded around the Great Western Hotel and Cheekies nightclub for pre-match refreshments.

The Adver followed the crowd on the way to the big derby match - watch videos from the scene below or check out our photographer's photo gallery.