The chairman of Whitstable Town Football Club has apologised after a fireworks display was cancelled because of health and safety fears.

Gary Johnson issued a statement last night on the club's website saying he was "desperately disappointed" Sunday's event was called off at the Belmont Ground.

He explained the decision was taken following advice from Ramsgate firm Viking Fireworks and the club's health and safety officer as strong rain fell throughout the afternoon.

Mr Johnson wrote: "As one of our major fundraisers and means of community involvement, we were desperately disappointed to have to postpone the event at such short notice.

"However following the direction and guidance of Viking Fireworks in conjunction with our health and safety specialist we were left with little alternative but to pull the event – a massive disappointment to us and I know you.

"Whilst to some this appeared an early decision, it was evidently the correct decision with the deterioration of already inclement and unstable weather as you would have witnessed if you were around the ground between 5 – 7pm.

"I’d like to thank all the staff and volunteers at the club whom did so much both prior to the day in the organisation of such a large event and whom attended during the afternoon to both ‘man’ and convey messages to those whom arrived."

He added it was unlikely the fireworks would be rescheduled in the near future.

The club has pledged to refund all pre-purchased tickets for the display with online bookings already repaid.

Anyone who bought a ticket at shops in the town can be refunded at the Belmont Ground today, Friday or Monday between 10am and 12pm or the next home fixture against Burgess Hill on Saturday.