Ashby's VE Day 75th Anniversary celebrations at the Bath Grounds have been cancelled.

And a statement from Ashby de la Zouch Town Council says that 'public safety remains our priority'.

The Town Council, Ashby Arts Festival and Love Ashby had planned to stage the event on the Bath Grounds on Friday, May 8.

It was to have been one of the biggest events of 2020 for the town and had been described as being 'once in a lifetime occasion'.

But with the spread of Coronavirus increasing by the day and seeing a series of events called off all over the country, the event has become the pandemic's latest victim What Ashby Needs To Know

A message online on Tuesday morning confirmed fears that it may not be able to go ahead.

The Town Council issued a statement which read: "Following official Government advice regarding social distancing to contain the spread of Covid 19 and the potential stopping of mass gatherings, Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has regretfully made the decision to cancel the event and to ensure that public safety remains our priority.

"During these uncertain times we feel this is the right course of action to take. We wish you all well, please stay safe."

Ashby Mayor Graham Allman added: The Mayoress Charmaigne and myself are extremely disappointed in hearing this news.

"However, we fully understand the decision of our Town Council in protecting our citizens.

"We express our thanks to all at Legion House for their hard work in putting the event together and know how disappointed they all will be. 'Lest we forget'.