This year's Axbridge Blackberry Carnival and September fair have been cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.

Chairman of the Axbridge Carnival Committee, Bev Davies, confirmed the decision this morning (July 24).

However, planning will soon get underway for the 2021 event, which the committee says will be bigger and better than ever.

Bev said: "I am sure that you will not be surprised that the committee recently made a decision for the carnival not to take place this year.

"While some restrictions have been relaxed, there are still too many increased difficulties including social distancing for us to be able to manage safely for all involved.

"The fair will not be visiting us this September, although the carnival and Heal's Fair will be back in 2021 bigger and better than ever.

"So please do not be disheartened. The carnival is a long-standing Axbridge tradition that will continue - this year we have had a blip.

"So get planning for next year - and thank you to those who assist us and help behind the scenes every year, we will be back.

"For those who won trophies last year, we will be in touch with you shortly and will be asking you to give your winnings a clean before returning them ready for distribution next year.

"Posters will go up around the town to confirm this year's decision and if anyone has any queries, do not hesitate to get in contact with us."