Donkey sanctuary cancels annual Christmas fair

The sanctuary's Christmas fair is usually a good chance for visitors to see the centre's donkeys

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary's annual winter market event has been cancelled over concerns about bad weather and increasing Covid cases.

The Christmas Gift Fair was due to take place on Sunday and was set to feature more than 40 store holders, as well as a hog roast and barbecue.

The sanctuary, based near Wroxall, said the fair would not be rescheduled.

"This was a very difficult decision for us to make and one that was not made lightly," it said in a statement.

It added: "We have taken into consideration the ongoing bad weather forecast and an increase in Covid infections among our staff and volunteer teams."

The sanctuary was damaged in November 2021 by Storm Arwen, causing more than £15,000 worth of damage.

Its annual Santa's Grotto and festive music weekend are still set to take place on 16 and 17 December.