AN EVENT which brings hundreds of paddlers into the Tyne Valley each year will not take place in 2020.

Hexham Canoe Club this week revealed the popular Tyne Tour event, which attracts canoeists from across the country, has been cancelled due to concerns about the spread of Covid-19. The event was due to take place between November 6 and 8 this year.

Michael Nelson, the chairman of the Tyne Tour, said that the safety of people heading to Tyne Green, in Hexham, for four days was the club's main priority.

He said that while some paddling at social distancing measures could be possible, the weekend was more than just sport as the social side was a big draw for many.

Traditionally, canoeists camped at Tyne Green and made a weekend of it, fitting in the town's bonfire and a ceilidh around the action on the water.

Mr Nelson said: "We made the decision to cancel because of the health risks associated with a possible second spike of the virus, and also a financial risk to the club with schools and universities not yet being back.

"British Canoeing isn't holding any events neither.

"This is only the second time the Tyne Tour hasn't gone ahead with the last one being for foot and mouth.

"In light of how many people would likely be here for the ceilidh, which is a big draw for the students and you can't really social distance in a ceilidh, and the weekend, the safest thing for the paddling community for us to do is cancel.

"The risk of a second spike of Covid is too high and it is very unusual that, as a risk assumed sport, we are cancelling the event for a risk but we thought it was the right thing to do for the greater paddling community."

The Tyne Tour was established in 1980 and has grown into one of Europe's largest paddling events. The highlight of the weekend sees canoeists race from the starting point in Barrasford along the River Tyne to the finishing line at Tyne Green, in Hexham, tackling the rapids at Warden Gorge along the way.

It is hoped the 2021 event will go ahead.