THE hugely popular North West Vintage Rally due to be held in Widnes has been called off for the fourth successive year.

Halton Council blamed staff absences due to Covid and ongoing vacancies for the decision to axe the showpiece, which was due to take place at Victoria Park in September.

Featuring an array of classic fair organs, cars and bikes from all over the country, the rally - which has been taking place since 2000 - is a hugely popular event, attracting tens-of-thousands of visitors a year from around the North West and beyond.

This will be the fourth successive year the event has not taken place. It had been rained off in 2019 and also been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid concerns. After it was axed in both 2020 and 2021, the council said on both occasions that it hoped it would return the following year.  But it has now confirmed the event is being cancelled again.

A council spokeswoman said: "Halton Borough Council has announced its decision to cancel the Vintage Rally due to take place at Victoria Park, Widnes in September.

"The organisation of this scale of event involves many months of detailed preparation to ensure those attending can enjoy their day out safely.

"This year, a number of staff absences due to Covid-19, combined with ongoing vacancies, mean it has not been possible to carry out the extensive planning required to ensure a safe and successful event.

"Therefore, with regret, the event cannot go ahead."

It is the latest big event to be cancelled in the borough, with last November's bonfire night celebrations also being axed.