NORTHWICH Rotary Club has taken the difficult decision to cancel popular fundraising events in Northwich, as the coronavirus outbreak continues apace.

Rotary organise the flagship Northwich Swimathon and River Festival events – among a number of others – and have decided that the current health pandemic means there is little scope to reorganise the events for 2020.

Instead, amid the uncertainty, they will be working towards delivering them in 2021.

The Swimathon, which sees teams regularly raise in excess of £10,000 for good causes each year, was due to take place this weekend, March 21 and 22.

The Northwich River Festival, which has become one of the town's most hotly-anticipated events despite being in just its fourth year, was set for July 11 and 12.

Jim Mole, president of Northwich Rotary, said: "We are sorry that it has come to this, but I'm certain people will understand that it is out of our control.

"Our sympathies are with those families directly impacted by the virus and the businesses that are suffering the impact of social controls. It is a difficult time.

"Our Rotary members will now direct their efforts to supporting the most vulnerable in our communities."