A MAJOR family charity day that has raised more than £120,000 for local good causes in the past seven years has been cancelled for 2021 although it was to take place after the planned ending of Covid restrictions.

The Ludlow Rotary Club annual dog day at Stokesay Court normally takes place in July.

This is after the June 21 target set by the Government for the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions.

But the Rotary Club say that the dog day that was also cancelled because of the virus last year, say that the restrictions have made it impossible to undertake all the planning needed for such a large event.

For the second year in a row, Ludlow Rotary Club has decided not to hold its Annual Dog Day in 2021.

Usually held each July in the grounds of Stokesay Court, the annual event regularly attracts more than 3,000 people to a day of fun dog competitions and exhibitions by top quality dog display teams supported by a range of stalls selling refreshments and country accessories. Since its inception in 2014 the event has raised more than £120,000 for local charities.

“It is very sad that we have had to cancel the event again this year,” said Rotary Club president Barry Forrester.

“Apart from the disappointment for the many people, some travelling long distances, who enjoy the event each year, we’re particularly concerned for the many local charities and organisations we have supported in the past which are feeling the financial effects of the pandemic most acutely.

“However it has simply not been possible to undertake the enormous amount of pre-planning the event demands against the background of the Covid-19 restrictions.”

Organisers are determined not to be deterred from re-establishing the annual event as soon as possible.

“We start planning in earnest for each year’s event in the preceding September and we have the nucleus of the 2022 team already in place,” added Mr Forrester.

“Nonetheless we are always keen to encourage more people to get involved in an event which contributes so much to the local community and would welcome expressions of interest now from anyone who would like to play a part.”

The organisers can be contacted via email info@ludlowdogday.org.uk”