ANOTHER major event in Northumberland’s farming calender has fallen victim to the coronavirus crisis.

The Society of Ploughmen has announced the cancellation of this year’s British National Ploughing Championships and Country Festival.

The event was due to be held at Mindrum, near Berwick, and would have been only the third time which the event has been held in Northumberland over the past seven years.

In a statement, directors expressed their disappointment that the competition would not go ahead, adding it had been an extremely difficult decision.

However, after consulting with the host farmer, committees, traders and sponsors, it was felt it was impossible to hold the event to the usual standard.

The directors added that their first priority was the health and safety of everyone involved.

Ex-world ploughing champion and chairman of the Society of Ploughmen, Viv Samuel, said, “We recognise how disappointing this news will be but are pleased to announce that the event will be held next year on the same site.

“We would like to thank our host and our future hosts for their co-operation and understanding in allowing this to happen.

“We would like to thank everyone for all their support and understanding and we look forward to coming back with a bigger and better British National Ploughing Championships on October 9 to 10 at Mindrum, Northumberland.”

Around 250 ploughmen and women from across the country were expected to take part in the popular two-day competition.