A POPULAR annual carnival has been cancelled for the second year running amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Each year crowds gather to watch as floats and people in costumes parade through Dalton.

However, organisers of Dalton Carnival said they had 'reluctantly' decided to cancel the event this year.

In a statement, they said dance schools would be unable to practice in the run-up to carnival day and that the carnival team could not commit to arranging the 'royal family' - which traditionally plays a big part in the event and is made up of members of the public.

A carnival committee spokesman said: "We don’t want to make out any payment towards the running of the carnival when there is a lot of uncertainty with what is going to happen with the pandemic and Covid.

"This has been a tough but well-thought-out decision since early this year and we hope you understand.

"Thank you for your continued support."

This year's carnival was scheduled to take place in June. The event was also cancelled last year due to the pandemic.