PLANS to relaunch Otley Stretcher Race this year have been abandoned.

Town councillor Peter Jackson (Lib Dem, Ashfield) had made detailed arrangements to stage the fundraising event – last held in 2013 – on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29.

But he has been forced to call of the race, which features groups in fancy dress carrying a 'patient' around most of the town's pubs, due to an unexpected safety issue.

Cllr Jackson, who runs The Otley Tavern, said: "I am quite saddened the relaunch of the stretcher race has had to be cancelled for reasons beyond my control.

"I had in place everything I could think of – indemnity insurance, a set route, marshals, first aid and, most importantly, many participants.

"I was ready to send the final details to all teams wishing to take part when I received notification from one of the emergency services stating they were not happy with the event going ahead due to a safety issue. To have the safety issue resolved to their satisfaction would have cost several thousand pounds.

"I have taken on board the comments from the service and will look at relaunching the race next year.

"This will give me time to have further meetings with all authorities concerned to address the issues they may have."