CREWE'S annual Tree of Light Ceremony has been cancelled because of Covid-19 fears.

The ceremony, supported by Crewe Town Council and its partners, including Cheshire East Council's bereavement service Orbitas, has proved popular in previous years.

Its concept is to get residents to light a star in memory of loved ones on the Tree of Light in Crewe Cemetery over the Christmas period.

Recent Covid rule changes over gatherings have already hit some community events in Crewe and with more restrictions on the way Christmas events are in jeopardy.

Town Council engagement officer Hannah Marr told last night's community plan committee that while efforts were made to explore other ways of hosting Tree of Light Orbitas had decided that it was unsafe to go ahead.

"We looked at how we could physically do the Tree of Light in some form as we didn't want to have lots of people in the cemetery in December," said the engagement officer.

"But we've received an email and the Orbitas board has met and due to Covid it is cancelling the event in any format. The decision has been taken out of our hands."

While Cllr Nan Walton asked whether the event could not be held outside the cemetery, such as in Town Square, the council officer added: "We've not got the capacity to come up with something in such short time scale, it's unfortunate but there is the infection risk."