RED tape has caused the cancellation of an event which was aiming to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Help The Aged had planned to run a country fair over the weekend of July 13 and 14 at Whitworth Hall, Spennymoor.

But an endless stream of rules and regulations has forced Peter Beaty, chairman of the charity's Durham branch, to cancel the event.

He said: "I've been organising this for nine months and you can imagine the amount of work that has gone into it. I had about 70 participants lined up and it was going to be a very good event."

Mr Beaty, from Newton Aycliffe, had nothing but praise for Whitworth Hall staff, who had offered the use of the premises without charge, but said obstacles were placed in his way by outside agencies.

He said: "It is not only Sedgefield Borough Council and the environmental health people, but also the police, fire brigade, St John Ambulance, the Army Cadets and even our own internal insurance."

Strict rules meant, for example, that the tug-of-war event could not take place without buying a new rope, and face-painting could not take place without materials being checked first.

Mr Beaty, 71, said: "It really got out of control and I said enough is enough. I can do without the aggro. It was affecting my health."

Paul Evans, of Carnival Funfairs, who was to have provided children's rides, said it was an increasing problem faced by organisers of events.

He said: "Me and Peter go back a long way. He is a lovely man and I know he is heartbroken.