One of the biggest dates on the calendar in Widnes has been cancelled.

The 2020 North West Vintage Rally, set to take place in September is off due to Covid-19 outbreak.

A spokesman for Halton Council said: "It has now become clear that, given the uncertain outlook, it is not going to be operationally possible to do so.

"This is due to the complexity of the advanced planning, resources and infrastructure, which cannot be undertaken. We have, therefore, taken the disappointing decision to cancel the 2020 North West Vintage Rally, which was due to take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September at Victoria Park, Widnes."

The Council’s Executive Board Portfolio holder for Events, Cllr Eddie Jones, said: “We know that the Vintage Rally plays a central role in the cultural and social lives of many in Halton and the surrounding boroughs. I am very sorry that, on this occasion, due to factors beyond our control and uncertain timescales, the show sadly can’t go on.

“However, we are sure that the Vintage Rally will be back bigger and better in 2021, when Halton will be proud to be the host of Borough of Culture for the Liverpool City Region.”