TAVISTOCK'S first Christmas food fayre, due to be held last weekend, was cancelled because of weather warnings.

Organisers of the fayre, which was to be held on Bedford Square, decided to cancel, following the previous week's farmers' market when strong winds resulted in two overturned stands and an exhibitor being briefly hospitalised..

The farmers' market, owns the marquees that were to be used by the fayre.

Jeffery Stackhouse, festival chairman, said: 'The Met Office weather forecast for Saturday night suggested wind speeds of 30mph, gusting up to 36mph. Unfortunately, at this wind speed, the marquee erectors declined to set up the units as they would certainly move and more than likely overturn.

'Clearly under these circumstances we had no alternative but to cancel the fayre in order to ensure the safety of both visitors and exhibitors alike.

'Naturally, we are very disappointed but hope to explore the options of a safe venue in Tavistock so that we can hopefully hold our first Christmas Fayre in Tavistock in a year's time.'