Dog show cancelled due to Storm Lilian

Strong winds picked up at 06:00 BST before the doors were meant to open at 07:00 for the first day of the event

A dog show expected to bring in more than 1,000 people was cancelled due to Storm Lilian.

Organisers of the Driffield Championship Dog Show, which is held each year at Wetherby Racecourse, West Yorkshire, were forced to call off the four-day show due to strong gusts.

Keith Derry, the show's secretary, said winds picked up at 06:00 BST before the gates were meant to open at 07:00 BST.

He said 5,240 dogs had been due to compete, with judges, dog owners and spectators travelling from all over the UK.

There will be no Driffield Championship Dog Show in 2024 as a result of Storm Lilian

After making the area secure and safe this morning, Mr Derry said the team would now take a few days to "get to grips with the financial reality" caused by the cancellation.

Storm Lilian winds disrupt festivals and travel

He added: "It's very upsetting. It was quickly evident that the tents were flying and wouldn't be able to stand the strength of the winds coming down.

"It takes the best part of a year to set everything up and it's all gone in three or four hours.

"There's nothing we can do about it, it's just the natural elements. It's totally out of our hands."

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