It has been announced today that the 2021 Bed Race has had to be cancelled due to the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Knaresborough Lions Club said it was a decision they didn't want to make but the health and safety of everyone involved had to come first.

The event has become an institution for the town, welcoming around 30,000 people each year to enjoy the fun and laughter of the day.

People from across the town get involved through volunteering at the event, dressing up or making one of the famous beds.

This is the second year in a row the Bed Race has been cancelled due to covid.

The committee's chairman Kevin Lloyd said the day takes four months to organise and he assures the public that the event will return when it can. He said:

The Lions said they looked at later dates but were concerned this would clash with other activities and there would still be no certainty regulations will have changed.

The hope is the group can organise a similar virtual event as 2020.

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The Great Knaresborough Bed Race has been running since 1966 and raises significant amounts for local charities and organisations.

As well as the 30,000 visitors, there are 300 volunteers who organise the event and and another 630 people becoming bed riders.

The event is known around the world inspiring other Bed Races in the USA, Australia, South Africa and Europe.