Chippenham Lions have been forced to cancel their annual carol float due to tier 2 regulations.

The group consulted with police, health officials and insurance companies before making the decision.

Chairman of Carol Float Committee, Jim Dutch, said: "We thought we were going out there after lockdown was lifted, but with Wiltshire's low infection rate none of us expected to be placed in Tier 2 and that was a bitter blow."

"We had done a huge amount of work towards it and we have to ditch all that now, but the people we feel most sorry for are the families and children who so look forward to seeing Santa. This year in particular, many children may not have had any other opportunity to see Santa and we are so sorry to have taken this one chance away from them.

"We also know from Facebook, and from letters, that the float is all part of Chippenham and Corsham's Christmas and we hope that the residents will understand. "The other side of the problem is that we are now unable to raise the valuable funds needed to help the many small local charitable organisations who have their own problems with fundraising. At a time when help is most needed, then it is most difficult provide that help. But if people would like to continue their generous tradition of help, then they can find a donations button on our website."