The annual Christmas Day lunch - served by volunteers in Axminster Guildhall for those in the town who are on their own - will not take place this year.

Launched five years ago, the event has proved to be extremely popular with around 100 people being served a tradition turkey dinner.

The organisers of the event, Lesley Frankau and Paul Hayward, have announced that this year's event will not be held because of the current Covid-19 restrictions.

In a statement they said: "The decision was made in consultation with Axminster Town Council before the latest government restrictions were announced which have made the staging of the lunch impossible.

"As organisers of this event over the last five years, we are extremely disappointed that we cannot welcome our guests this year.

"It has always been a wonderful occasion and we shall miss seeing so many of our friends and helpers who really make the event such a highlight of the year."

It is hoped that a similar event can be organised in the spring, possibly at Easter, and plans are already being made for the sixth Christmas Day lunch in 2021.