TWO popular community events are the latest casualties of the Covid pandemic, as organisers announced they would be axed this year with the hope of returning in 2022.

The two-day Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show is a highlight of the Dorset festival calendar but was cancelled last year due to the ongoing coronavirus situation - and directors have expressed their disappointment to have to pull the plug on the event once again.

A spokesman said: "It is with a heavy heart that the directors of Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show must announce that our 2021 show will not be going ahead as hoped.

"Despite the good news of the vaccine roll out it is still very much unknown how the Covid-19 situation will pan out over the rest of the year, particularly during the summer months.

"With this in mind we have made the tough decision to cancel plans for this year’s show. We strongly believe that the health, safety and wellbeing of our visitors, exhibitors, traders and volunteers must always be our top priority, as well as ensuring the future economic sustainability of our show.

"This continually evolving situation is beyond our control and this decision has certainly not been made lightly, as we know many of you will appreciate and understand."

Organisers thanked residents and visitors for their continued support, and said they look forward to the event returning on July 2 -3 2022.

For more information visit the website: chickerellsteamshow.uk - and to make an enquiry select the ‘contact us’ option.

Meanwhile the Sutton Poyntz Victorian Street Fayre, which had been due to take place on June 27, has also been cancelled for the second consecutive year. Chairman David Langridge said plans were already under way to stage the event on June 26 2022.

He added: "Given the current situation and after great thought and consideration by all the committee of our Street Fayre, it is with regret that we feel we need to cancel the Fayre for this year.

"It is of course especially sad given this has always been an excellent community event run by a dedicated committee and helped by over 200 villagers in order to raise a lot of money for local charities.

"We realise the vaccinations are rolling out but our event, like all, takes time to organise and we will not have enough time to get everything together given the current situation and with no respite on the immediate horizon.

"We'd like to thank all those people who have supported us in the past and look forward to being able to hold the event next year on June 26 2022 and of course for your continued support."