CHRISTMAS festivities in Prudhoe have been cancelled due to bad weather.

It comes as a red 'risk to life' weather warning is in place across parts of the North-East.

Strong winds brought by Storm Arwen has put paid to Prudhoe Town Council and Prudhoe Community Partnership's Prudhoe's Light-up to Christmas event planned for tonight (November 26).

The event was videoed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The town council said: "The events take a great deal of planning and there is sincere disappointment from the organisers and the wonderful contributors and community groups that support the event each year.

"We know that Prudhoe is made up of hardy folk who have battled the elements in previous years to enjoy music and entertainment, and mulled wine and mince pies. Snow and rain we can cope with, but unfortunately, the wind is the unstoppable spoiler of outside events, as structures cannot be signed off as safe in such conditions.

"Please continue to enjoy and support our terrific town as Christmas approaches, and especially enjoy our fantastic lights displays."

The town's lights will still be switched on this afternoon (Friday), but the planned Santa's grotto, food and crafts stalls and entertainment have all been pulled.