The forecast of rain and strong winds has led to the cancellation of one of Helston's Christmas events.

The town's organising committee said it was with a "heavy heart" that tomorrow's Children's Lantern Parade would no longer take place.

Christmas Lights Committee chairman Robert Williams said in a statement this afternoon: "It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to announce that we have just made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Children’s Lantern Parade due to the heavy rain and strong winds that are forecast for tomorrow afternoon and evening.

"As I’m sure you can appreciate we need to be mindful of the health and safety of all participants as well as spectators, and have therefore decided to let everyone know of our decision today, to give as much notice as possible, rather than waiting until lunchtime tomorrow.

"Father Christmas has already told us that he won’t want to travel around town in our 'open to the elements' sleigh if it’s raining and I’m sure the children, parents, spectators and traders won’t want to out in the wind and rain either.

"Apologies for any inconvenience that this announcement will no doubt cause. The weather can’t be on our side all the time. This is the risk of putting on an outdoor event in December!

"Thank you for your understanding."

This also means the live reindeer will not be in the town either.