This year's Oxenhope Straw Race has been cancelled due to the foot and mouth crisis.

The annual event, which has coined in over £170,000 for charity since it was first held 26 years ago, was scheduled for July 1.

But following consultations with local farmers and relevant authorities, race organisers have decided that to proceed with the event would pose too great a risk.

Instead, the committee has pledged to work with local pubs on other fundraising initiatives to provide some support this year to worthy causes.

Chairman Jeff Moore (pictured at last year's race) said: "We are very disappointed at having to cancel the race, but at the end of the day holding the event would have posed an unnecessary risk of spreading foot and mouth disease.

"The race is not only a great day out but it also raises much needed money for local charities. We will double our efforts and work with the pubs in Oxenhope to come up with some other fundraising ideas for this year so that the charities won't lose out. We can assure everyone that the Straw Race will be back with a bounce next year."

The race -- which attracts hundreds of competitors and spectators -- involves teams carrying bales of straw around a three-mile course, stopping for a drink at five pubs.

Charities which benefit from the event include Manorlands, Keighley Resource Centre and Lungs for Life.

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