Thornbury's annual Christmas lights event will not take place this year, due to the 'unjustifiable risk' it would cause.

The town will still be decorated with festive lights, but these will be switched on without a formal event.

A spokeswoman for Thornbury Christmas Lights Association said: " TCLA regrets to announce that there will be no Christmas Lights Switch-On this year.

"Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, it creates an unjustifiable increased risk to our volunteer population.

"Additionally, a switch-on event would pose social distancing concerns and an unwarranted danger to the residents of Thornbury.

"We do however aim to bring some festive spirit to our town by putting up a reduced number of displays that will be switched-on without the formal event.

"Due to the social distancing requirements and a number of our volunteers still being required to shield, we will be unable to install our usual 100 light displays but hope will be able to bring the holiday spirit to Thornbury during these uncertain times.

"Please give our volunteers a cheery wave and pop some money in the collection boxes. We appreciate your continued support and hope to be back in Winter 2021 with our traditional switch-on event!"