Traditional wheelbarrow race planned to go ahead

Thousands of people watch teams race through Ponteland in Northumberland every year

A traditional New Year's Day wheelbarrow race is planned to go ahead following doubts over safety measure costs.

The Ponteland wheelbarrow race in Northumberland will take a different route to minimise safety costs associated with road closures - which had threatened to cancel the event all together.

One of the organisers, Andy Anderson from Ponteland 41 Club, said the entire village was "relieved and pleased".

Northumberland County Council said the relevant applications were being processed, adding: "We are confident the event will go ahead."

The approximately one-and-quarter mile (2km) route ran along North Road in previous years, but will now use Thornhill Road.

Thousands of people come out every year to watch teams trundle along on wheelbarrows to raise money for charity.

The Conservative-led local authority said rules meant a certified traffic management company now had to be used for such events.

Several nearby businesses including The Blackbird, The 7 Stars, The Station House and Ellis Signs, along with Ponteland Town Council, donated funds to help cover the costs.

Stuart Young, of The Blackbird, said the possible loss of the race would have been devastating.

"Thankfully, everyone has rallied round and I'm delighted that this ancient tradition will once again take place," he said.