COMMITTEE members of an historic village show were expected to celebrate its 142nd year in September.

The Kirkwhelpington and District Show was formed in 1878 and has never been cancelled with the exception of two World Wars.

Restarting in 1947, the event has taken place every year in spite of foot and mouth disease and flooding.

In 2008, around six inches of rainfall saw the River Wansbeck break its banks and flood Morpeth, but the show continued with nine inches of standing water in the main tent.

Exhibitors rose to the challenge, wading barefoot or in wellingtons through the flood water and tabling a display of flowers, vegetables, baking, crafts and children’s entries.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has seen committee members admit defeat for this years event.

Susan Hofmann, show committee member, said coronavirus is more elusive than flood water.

"Faced with this uncertainty the committee of Kirkwhelpington and District Show has, with great regret, taken the decision to cancel this year’s show due to take place on Saturday, September 5," she said.

"The restrictions imposed to control the Coronavirus are being relaxed but we don’t know whether by September, a show with inevitable close contact, will be permitted or responsible.