Organisers of a popular agricultural show say they are "hugely disappointed" to cancel the event, which will now not return until 2024.

The Royal Bath & West Society said it was "with great sadness" that it was announcing the cancellation of Grassland UK, due to the ongoing global pandemic of Covid-19.

The event, which showcases grassland machinery and processes from seed to feed, had been due to take place on May 6.

The Society said it understood it would "disappointing news for everyone involved with Grassland UK", but that following the recent Government announcement it was clear that large events would be unable to safely take place until later on in the summer.

Alan Lyons, the head of shows at the Royal Bath & West Society, said: “We are hugely disappointed to be taking this decision today, particularly as Grassland UK is a triennial event, which won’t take place on the showground again until 2024.”

The Society will be in touch with traders and sponsors for the show with details of what to do next, and will also contact all ticket holders.

It said everyone will be contacted in the coming days and asked people for their patience due to reduced staffing levels.

In a statement the Society said: "The Board of Trustees and all staff at the Royal Bath & West Society would like to thank the trade stand exhibitors and all sponsors for their understanding and patience over the past year, which has been a real challenge for the Society.

"The Governments recent announcement does however instil some confidence that the rest of the Society's events will still be able to take place as planned."

All being well, still going ahead will be: • The Equine Showing Show (behind closed doors), May 21 to 22, 2021 • The Bath & West Country Festival, August 27 to 29, 2021.

• The Dairy Show, October 6, 2021.