THE star event of the Mayor of Knutsford’s events calendar, the annual civic ball, has been cancelled because of the challenge posed by social distancing.

The event was originally planned for March 21, but was postponed to September 18 following the introduction of the coronavirus lockdown.

It was initially hoped a September event would be viable, but organisers at Knutsford Town Council took the difficult decision that current social distancing requirements would prevent a suitably enjoyable event taking place.

An alternative fundraising event will be planned in its place for the early autumn, and is likely to be an interactive online event.

Town mayor Cllr Andrew Malloy hopes to announce details of this new event soon, and anyone wishing to participate or find out more can register their interest by emailing mayor@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Cllr Malloy is also preparing for his final sponsored event to raise funds for Knutsford youth sporting activities and a starter fund for a new skate park.

Details of his Cheshire Three Peaks walk, including how to sponsor him, will be released once a date for the challenge has been set.

Cllr Malloy said: "The Mayoress and I are really disappointed to not be able to host a Mayors Ball this year.

“This is the biggest event in the mayoral diary, and the opportunity to try to raise a significant amount for my causes, youth sporting activities and a skatepark.

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“But as you'll understand, in the current Covid-19 situation, it would be very difficult to justify getting a large number of people in a room together for an indoor celebration, even with the intention of raising money for local causes.

“Hopefully we can organise another Covid safe event to close out the extended mayoral year, and we still hope to take on the Cheshire Three Peaks in the coming months too, so anything you can do to support us raise as much money as possible in the remaining few months would be very gratefully received.”