Rotary-Congleton has announced that due to Covid-19 it will cancel all of its planned events until the end of the year at the earliest.

By far the biggest event to be cut is the town Bonfire and Fireworks Display on the first Saturday in November.

All Rotarians are disappointed that this major annual fundraising event is having to be cancelled for the first time in its history.

In a good year, Rotary raises many thousands of pounds from the event which it uses to support good causes in the town.

A spokesperson for Rotary-Congleton said: "The risks associated with holding the event include the advance payments required for the purchase fireworks and the commitment required from stall holders and the fairground rides and attractions make planning the event impossible.

"The problems associated with Covid-19 with thousands of people gathering in Congleton Park together with the possibility of further government restrictions mean that plans have had to be put on hold.

"There is no certainty at this stage that major public events such as this will be allowed."

Also included in the list of cancelled events is Rotary's popular 'Last Night of the Proms' held at the New Life Church in September.

Around Christmas-time Rotary has cancelled its annual Christmas concert held at the Davenport Theatre in December and the group will not be able to send Father Christmas into old people's and care homes around the town.

The first of its annual events that Rotary hopes to run is its annual Swimathon, normally held at the Leisure Centre in February.

A decision on the 2021 Swimathon will be taken later when the future course of the pandemic becomes clearer.

Newly-elected President of Rotary-Congleton, Stewart Price said: "The absence of the events is a major blow. No events mean that there is no fundraising activity at all.

"Rotary relies totally on the support of the people of Congleton and the surrounding area to raise the funds to enable it to carry on its support for deserving causes."

Mr Price is facing an unprecedented and difficult year for his presidency.