An event marking 80 years since the heroic actions of the Little Ships which rescued soldiers off the beaches of Dunkirk in WW2 has been cancelled.

The Return to Dunkirk event Dunkirk80, due to take place in May, would have involved 76 Little Ships crossing the Channel from Ramsgate.

But organisers from the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) say the scale of the coronavirus pandemic puts participants at risk.

Commodore Simon Palmer says not only do they have to consider the seaworthiness of the Little Ships, all of which are over the age of 80, but also the safety of the crews.

"It became clear that the boats might be in better condition than some of our crews by the time we came to cross the Channel," he said.

The association is looking at the possibility of holding the event in 2021.

Ian Gilbert, the Rear Admiral at ADLS, added: "It is extremely sad that we have had to make the decision to postpone Dunkirk80.

"A huge amount of work has already gone into the arrangements both here and in Dunkirk, and many hours have been devoted to the preparation of the Little Ships for this commemorative crossing.

"It is only the second time we have not sailed since the first return in 1965."

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