The mayor of Lyme Regis has cancelled his civic night due to coronavirus fears.

Cllr Brian Larcombe MBE was due to hold the event on Saturday, April 4.

He said: "It is with personal regret but necessary, that I have taken the decision to cancel the civic night. This has been prompted by the coronavirus COVID- 19 outbreak and the consequential advice and measures being advocated.

"Official announcements and guidance is changing almost daily and current advice is that while open spaces are OK, close gatherings within confined areas are not, and to avoid non-essential contact and maintain social distancing. It has been indicated that these measures should exist up to and beyond the date of the civic night and so, although the loss of this prominent event in the civic calendar is very disappointing, I feel in the interests of all concerned that there is no choice but to cancel it.

"I personally wish to thank you for all your support to our town and this event; hopefully I’ll be able to make a renewed invite later in the year. In the meantime the council office will refund your ticket purchase."

To organise a refund, ring the office on 01297 445175 or e-mail enquiries@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk