Opposition by the French authorities has led to the cancellation of the Great Channel Swim which was due to take place this summer.

Nova International, who also organise other major sporting events such as the Great North Run, said they were very disappointed at the decision.

The aim had to been to revive the great cross-Channel swims of the 1950s, attracting an impressive field of international long-distance swimmers. There was to have been an individual race and a relay race.

But the French authorities expressed concerns about the amount of potential additional traffic in the Channel and as a result the French Coastguard would not give the event their support.

"We are extremely disappointed at this late stage to have encountered objections from the French authorities, leaving us with no alternative but to reluctantly cancel the Great Channel Swim event," said event director Colin Hill.

It's also disappointing for Dover as the town's business people had hoped it would bring a much-welcome economic boost to the town, with hundreds of people potentially staying in the area.