Suffolk Show near Ipswich abandoned due to high winds and rain

The 181st Suffolk Show near Ipswich has been cancelled due to the weather.

The organisers, the Suffolk Agricultural Association (SAA), said the weather forecast for Friday was winds gusting up to force nine.

Some tents have been blown away and the show directors said the decision was made on safety grounds to avoid visitors being put in danger.

David Nunn, Suffolk Show director, said: "If a marquee goes over and kills somebody then it's just not worth it."

It is the first time the two-day show has been abandoned during the event, although it has been cancelled in advance before.

Mr Nunn said it was "probably the most difficult decision" he had ever had to make.

'Gazebos flying everywhere'

"Rain just makes the show ground wet, but wind makes it dangerous and the Met Office tell me the winds could double with the gusts," he said.

"There will be people saying that I've made the wrong decision, but safety is the most important thing as far as I am concerned."

Johnny Ball, a presenter on the NFU roadshow stand who stayed on site overnight in a camper van, said: "There's gazebos flying everywhere and it's been horrendous.

"As regards health and safety issues, it's probably the right decision."

Andrew Buesnel, from the M Construction Services stand, said "We got here this morning and we could see small tents blowing around and you can see on health and safety grounds the chance of an injury to the public is going to be great.

"If something flies in a gust of wind, there's no way of stopping it from hitting someone."

The SAA said refunds will be available for ticket holders and details will appear on its website.

Up to date traffic information can be found on BBC travel news.