A PRESTIGIOUS event celebrating the achievements of women in Cumbria has become the latest to be cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis.

It is the first time in the 30 year history of the Cumbria Women of the Year awards that it has had to be halted.

Organisation was in full swing ahead of the annual event later this year but it has now been pushed back and is currently rescheduled for November 2021.

Debbie Keighley, Cumbria Women of the Year chairwoman, said the risk was too high for the event to go ahead.

"It’s very sad," she said.

"In our 30-year history we have never had to miss a show, however after a risk assessment we believed it would be inappropriate to host the competition this year.

“We are hoping to host a double show next year to make up for it.

“Quite a lot of the women are what would be classed as a vulnerable group, and we feel those people would be reluctant to come to an event where they would be mixing with a large number of people until there is a vaccine.

“The reason we’ve postponed it to not put any of the women we have invited at risk."

She added: "On behalf of the CWY committee, I would like to thank you for your continued support and look forward to working with you next year.

“Nominations already received will be carried forward to 2021, unless withdrawn by the nominator”.

Since its inception in 1990 when Cumbria Women of the Year recognised the ladies who supported Barnado’s at Kendal, it has evolved to honour the county’s amazing women.

The awards are an opportunity to thank the selfless, inspirational, dedicated and compassionate unsung heroines who do so much without thought of any recognition or reward themselves.

The 2019 winner, also the youngest ever in Cumbria Women of the Year’s 30-year history, was 17-year-old Amy Bray.

The Penrith teenager's passion for the planet led to her to create Another Way, a charity to teach people how to live more sustainably.