BREAN Rally has been axed after 22 years after bosses from Brean Leisure Park decided facilities at the park were 'no longer suitable' for the event, organisers have confirmed.

In a joint statement posted on social media on Thursday (September Club Rallysport West and Brean Leisure Park said they will no longer be hosting the event as bosses at the leisure park have decided that the facilities at the park 'no longer suitable' for the event.

The annual event, which has been held in Brean for 22 years, was not held in January but attracted rally teams from across the county as well as

The spokesman said: "Following discussions and meetings with the Brean Leisure Park Management over the past months and recent weeks concerning the future of the Brean Stages Rally, the following outcome is announced.

"Brean Leisure Park, in their plans going forward, have concluded that the provision of facilities within the park are no longer suitable for the running of the stage rally and therefore regret that it will no longer be able to host this event.

"Brean Leisure Park in conjunction with Club Rallysport West wish to express their sincere gratitude to the, organising teams, supporting clubs, officials, marshals, competitors, sponsors and advertisers for their tireless support over the past 22 year history of the ‘Rally in the Park’. Thank you."

Scores of people have expressed their sadness on social media since the announcement and said the announcement marks 'the end of an era' for rally sport in Brean.

Mike Lang, a freelance photographer who worked at the event for a number of years, said: "It is a great pity as it was a popular event and I have enjoyed photographing there over the years.

"However the leisure park have obviously decided that there is no room for the rally in their future plans. Perhaps another venue will come forward and offer facilities."