The Axe Vale Show in Axminster will not go ahead for the second year running due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The horticultural, craft and food show is one of the town's biggest events of the year, usually running over two days in June.

It will not take place in 2021 as the organising committee does not have a high enough level of confidence to make the necessary preparations and commit to the financial investments required to run the event.

Show chairman Simon Hodges said: "As a non-profit making charity run entirely by volunteers, we would struggle to remain viable if we committed to a 2021 show and later had to cancel or restrict numbers due to COVID-19 related guidance."

The committee has voted unanimously to cancel the show and to retain reserves to stage the next Axe Vale Show in June 2022.

Mr Hodges added: "It is with great sadness that we announce this decision and would like to thank all those exhibitors and traders, our many helpers and of course the local population, who have supported the Axe Vale Show for many years.

"As there will be no show this year, it is also regrettable that there will be no income that we can provide to support local organisations via our charitable grant process. 

"But, rest assured, we will be back! The next Show is scheduled for June 18 and 19 2022.

"We thank you for your understanding during these unusual times and hope that our community remains safe and healthy."