THE organiser of Weston's popular festive lights display has cancelled this year's event because of Covid planning difficulties as well as complaints about last year's drive-thru show.

Graham Witter kept the lights show going at Carters Green Farm in Jack Lane last December even though the village was under tier restrictions.

But he says the burden of organising an event within Covid rules and the negative response he received from some quarters last year means he is shelving the lights until 2022.

Volunteers overseeing the traffic management of the event were said to have been verbally abused by impatient motorists as queues built up last Christmas, although thousands of people enjoyed the lights and decorations Graham placed at the #StarlitGarden to greet visitors safely from their own cars.

Last year's event - the eighth Graham had organised - took his total fundraising for the Donna Louise Hospice to over £150,000.

Graham's sister, received respite care at the Trentham children's hospice.

His hard work and dedication saw him named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2020 when he received the British Empire Medal for his services to charitable fundraising and to the community in Crewe.

Graham said in a statement on social media: "It is with great sadness to announce that my festive fundraiser, Weston Christmas Light Display, will not be going ahead in 2021 as I have decided to take a break from my fundraising efforts.

"This is due to different reasons, including the increased workload planning and organising an event within Covid guidance and the negative feedback I received from visitors to my 2020 display.

"I know this news will bring disappointment, sadness and upset to many families and children in our local community, but I send you all my happiness, love, and cheer this December.

"We will spend time reflecting on my incredible fundraising journey and think about the amazing memories our light display has given families since 2013."