AN ANNUAL steam engine and vintage vehicles rally has been cancelled for the second consecutive year due to the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The committee in charge of the West Bay Vintage Rally has this week made the decision to cancel this year's event.

Though there was no official date announced for the 2021 variation of the rally, it is typically held on the second complete weekend of June.

Organised by the West Dorset Vintage Tractor and Stationary Engine Club Displays, the event typically features parades of tractors, vintage vehicles and steam engines, working displays, marquee exhibits, craft and market traders, horticultural machinery, outside and inside crafts, model displays, ring events, food and drink, a bar, entertainment and more.

A spokesman for the event said: "The committee have had the hard decision to cancel the 2021 rally, due to the ongoing situation with coronavirus.

"Trying to organize an event in these uncertain times is impossible.

"We would like thank all our club members & Exhibitors for their continued support, which as a result , the club has been able to donate over £62,500 to local charities and community Projects over the last 40 years. We are very hopeful for 2022.

This year's event would have marked the 45th anniversary of the rally, which began in 1976. Last year's event was also cancelled due to the ban on mass gatherings during the pandemic.

The rally has been held at the Brit Valley Meadows in West Bay since 1996, relocating to the Melplash Showground in 2013.

For more information, visit www.wdvtsec.com or search for West Dorset Vintage Tractor and Stationary Engine Club Ltd on Facebook.