TWO of Lyme's major events - Lifeboat Week and Regatta and Carnival - have been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Lifeboat Week was due to take place from 25 to 31 July, followed by Regatta and Carnival Week from 1 to 8 August.
In a joint statement issued this week, the two organisations said: "It is with a great deal of sadness that, because of the ongoing pandemic, we have to cancel both Lifeboat Week and Regatta and Carnival Week due to be held in Lyme Regis during July and August this year.
"This decision was incredibly difficult to make. However, first and foremost, we must put the safety and welfare of our visitors, members, and volunteers above all else.
"We felt it was impossible to carry out our many and varied activities to the standard that holiday-makers and members of the community know and love, with social distancing measures in place as they should be.
"We would like to thank you all for the support you have given us over the years, and we are also incredibly grateful to our supporters, local traders and volunteers for all the work that has been done in the preparation of these two important weeks in the Lyme Regis calendar."
Ken Lavery, chairman of the Lyme Regis and Lifeboat Supporters said: “Lifeboat week in Lyme has always been not only great fun for all concerned, but has raised a significant sum to support our voluntary lifesaving efforts.
"Our crew remains ready to go to the aid of anyone in danger on the sea and, with our colleagues in the Coastguard service, on the coast, this vital service will continue."
Alan Vian, Regatta and Carnival Secretary, said: “We are so disappointed as we always look forward to being with holidaymakers raising money for local good causes. This virus will have a negative effect on local traders during this summer and on the lack of donations that we usually make to local organisations”.
Preparations are now in place for the 2021 events, with Lifeboat week taking pace from 24 to 31 July and Regatta and Carnival Week from 7 to 14 August.