Sidmouth's traditional Good Friday Hot Cross Bun event – originally started in 1898 – has been cancelled for the second year running, because of Covid restrictions

Organisers say they are 'very sad' to announce the decision, but hope people understand that it would not be safe to hold the event.

They're urging people to support the local businesses who normally supply the Easter giveaway – Vinnicombes Bakery and Winchesters greengrocers, who provide the tangerines.

The long-standing Good Friday tradition started in Sidmouth back in 1898 when the town's bakers decided not to bake hot cross buns on Good Friday. According to records, the proprietor of the Bedford Hotel paid a baker in Newton Poppleford to supply them instead.

Since then, children have been given free buns every Good Friday until last year.

Rachel Perram took over as Hot Cross Bun Committee secretary in 2019 – she's the daughter-in-law of the late Tony Perram, who volunteered for the committee for more than 40 years.

She said they very much hope to be able to hold the event next year.

She added: "We are very grateful for donations of any spare change that you have, which we collect in the various collection pots around the businesses in the town. We rely on your generosity to keep going.

"May we wish all the children and families in the valley a happy and safe Easter."