SANDOWN's carnival year has been cancelled, in light of the government's latest coronavirus guidance, but organisers say they are planning another New Year fireworks event instead.

Sandown Carnival Association's organising committee says it cannot ensure social distancing can be managed and has reluctantly decided to abandon its events for this year.

It said: "We have to consider everyone’s safety as our top priority. As we cannot ensure the complete safety of our volunteers, our queens and spectators at this time, we have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel.

"However, following the huge success of our New Year’s Day fireworks, to mark the start of 2020, we very much hope that we will be able to kick off our programme for 2021 in the same way by once again organising a New Year’s Day Fireworks Spectacular.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us in the past and we look forward to celebrating in true carnival style next year."