WESTON Hospicecare has cancelled its Moonlight Beach Walk this weekend due to concerns about a rise in coronavirus cases.

The event's organisers have been given the go ahead to run the event on September 12 from North Somerset Council, Health and Safety and the charity's insurers to run the event and said they are confident that the event would be safe for participants.

But with new COVID-19 guidelines set to come into force across the UK on Monday (September 14) and an increase in cases in North Somerset, inviting more than 120 people to Weston-super-Mare at night is not something the charity is willing to do.

It has been indicated to the hospice that many people will choose to venture into Weston town centre on Saturday night before new restrictions and guidance comes into effect on Monday.

But the hospice said it will run a virtual Moonlight Beach Walk event which means those already signed up can still take part.

Registration has also reopened until October 12 to attract more supporters to the event.

Paul Winspear, Weston Hospicecare’s chief executive, said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel the Moonlight Beach Walk due to take place this Saturday (September 12) at late notice.

“From the outset, the safety of our participants, volunteers and staff has been the primary priority and with new coronavirus guidance coming into play from Monday, we felt a responsibility to cancel the event.

“We’re incredibly sorry to all of those who were raring to go on Saturday night in what would have been a lower key but just as special Moonlight Beach Walk.

“However, we cannot wait to see everyone take part in the virtual event online through the various social media channels and raise some much needed funds for their local hospice.”

It costs £15 for adults and £10 for children and all participants will receive a Moonlight Beach Walk T-shirt and a candle bag to make a dedication to a loved one.

The hospice said it would also like to encourage people across the region to take part in the virtual event to support the care given to those with life-limiting or terminal illnesses in our community.

To register, visit https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/MoonlightBeachWalk2020.