A popular carnival parade steeped in decades of history has been pulled from the calendar.

Faversham Carnival, one of the town's biggest annual events, was set to be hosted in mid-October.

But event bosses have decided "to do the right thing" and cancel this year's colourful spectacle.

Floats, marching bands and entertainers usually weave their way through the town's streets, but the difficulties of coronavirus and a lack of funds mean all will remain quiet this autumn.

A statement released today reads: "We have not taken this decision lightly but due to lack of funds and the need to keep socially distanced we feel that it is the right thing to do.

"In its place we will be holding a new display of photos from October 1 to 17 in the town hall in Market Place.

"We are currently discussing all the other events which will take place.

"Faversham will not lose the carnival spirit."

Activities being thought up include a fancy dress video competition.

The window dressing competition, judged by the newly-crowned Miss Faversham and her court, will still go ahead.

Hundreds of people usually line the streets to watch the spectacle, however as with almost every other large-scale event, the parade has been cancelled.

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham