ROSS Rowing Club has called off its annual regatta due to the ‘exceptionally low water level’ in the River Wye.

The club explained that with no significant rainfall predicted in the coming fortnight, it would not be safe to stage the competition on such a small amount of water.

Ross Regatta is held annually over the August bank holiday weekend, and attracts some 2,000 people, both competitors and spectators.

The club stated on its website that it had investigated every possibility to hold the event in some shape or form, before deciding to cancel.

Club president, Jeremy Picton-Turbervill said: “It is with regret and disappointment that Ross Regatta 2024 is cancelled. This decision has been made due to the exceptionally low water level in the River Wye, and the lack of any significant rainfall predicted over the next two weeks.

“The Regatta Committee has looked into every possibility to hold the regatta in some shape or form, but it would be unsafe for us to allow competition on such a small amount of water.

"It's a major fundraiser for the club...so a cancellation of the regatta such as this is a major blow to the finances.

"We have crews and visitors from all parts of England and Wales attend, we have numbers approaching 1,500-2,000, either competing or on the bank watching.”

The town’s duck race, planned to follow the regatta on Sunday August 25, and a ceremony the following day to celebrate the club's new steps and latest addition to its rowing boat fleet, will still go ahead.