THIS year's New Forest and Hampshire County Show has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The three-day show, which attracts about 100,000 visitors from across the south, has become the latest summer attraction to fall victim to fears surrounding the pandemic.

This year's event at New Park, Brockenhurst, would have celebrated the centenary of the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, which iorganises the spectacular.

A statement on its website says: "It is with a heavy heart that Board members of The New Forest Agricultural Show Society have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 New Forest and Hampshire County Show.

"We are all devastated to have to make this announcement especially with it being the Society’s centenary year and promised to be a year full of celebration and memories.

"However we must do the sensible thing and put everyone’s safety and welfare first and follow Government guidelines. Hopefully by working together, as a community, we can stop this virus and come back bigger and stronger in 2021.

"The Society would like to thank everyone involved in our wonderful organisation and all who contribute to making our Show the fantastic event it is – visitors, our army of volunteers, tradestand holders, members, contractors and sponsors along with our team of staff. We are sure you will all be as disappointed as we are.

"We are working hard to contact all stakeholders personally as quickly as we can.

"Thank you in advance for your support at such a difficult time for us all, we look forward to welcoming you and your friends to next year’s New Forest & Hampshire County Show on the 27th, 28th 29th July 2021."