The eagerly anticipated BBC Countryfile Live event at Windsor Great Park has been cancelled.

The event run by international events company SME London was due to happen between August 20 and 23, offering four days of live arena shows, hands-on activities, farm-animal demonstrations, debates, food, drink and shopping from over 500 independent retailers and lifestyle brands.

Yesterday Tim Itchells, MD of SME said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to cancel Countryfile Live. While we had hoped the situation would improve by August it has become increasingly apparent that we will not be able to host the event while maintaining social distancing measures.

"We realise this is disappointing for fans and will be announcing plans for 2021 in due course."

Paul Sedgwick, deputy ranger at Windsor Great Park, said: "All of us at Windsor Great Park are very disappointed that Countryfile Live cannot take place this year.

"However we fully understand and completely support this decision, as the safety of visitors and exhibitors and all involved has to be everybody's priority at this very difficult time."

The company says tickets holders will be reimbursed by July 1.

Visit https:/www.countryfile.com/windsor-great-park