This year’s Taro Fair on Petersfield Heath has been cancelled as coronavirus cases increase.

In a statement, Petersfield Town Council said: "It is with great regret the council announces the fair will not be operating over the weekend of October 9 and 10.

"The decision is in the interests of protecting the health and safety of local residents in the light of the increasing threat from the Covid-19 virus as cases of infection both locally and nationally continue to grow.

"Making this decision, the council has taken advice from its health and safety professionals as well as Hampshire County Council’s public health department.

"It doesn’t in any way reflect on the fair operators, who have done all that can be done to make it as safety compliant as possible during this pandemic, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year."