A town's Christmas lights switch-on has been scrapped this year due to uncertainty about the coronavirus pandemic.

Faversham is believed to be one of the first places in the county to have the event cancelled.

Volunteers have said usually by this point in the year they would have already started planning for the day.

But due to the current government restrictions and the uncertainty of what might be in place in November, the group say it "renders it impossible" for them to host the event.

The switch-on ceremony was due to take place on Saturday, November 28

But they have not given up hope and are "determined" to ensure there is still a Christmas light display this year.

It may look a bit different to how it usually does due to some of the working practices they use in putting it up.

Committee spokesman Nathan Iliffe said: "We are aware of how much joy the display brings to residents of the town, the number of visitors it draws to Faversham and the positive effect they have on town centre businesses and the local economy.

"After everything that has happened this year, we would like to think that a Christmas light display may bring some positivity to Faversham this Christmas."

The group have also cancelled fundraising events, including the raffle and "buy a bulb" fundraiser. They will publish an online fundraising page instead.

The Faversham Community Christmas Light Committee was formed in 1983 by Stephen Sherlock and have managed the town's display ever since.

Organisers will continue to monitor government advice and make the "necessary changes and flexibilities" as they approach October.

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham