Damage to a sleigh and delays with insurance mean this year's Santa visits in Halstead have been cancelled.

The sleigh ride, which is organised by the 1st Halstead Scouts, usually goes through the streets of Halstead on various dates throughout December, but this year has had to be cancelled following delays getting a quote from insurance and damage to the sleigh.

Kylie Birch, the Halstead and Colne Valley Scout district commissioner, said: "The insurance companies really dragged their feet in getting us an insurance quote and we are still waiting.

"We couldn't run the event without insurance as you need specific insurance for the sleigh.

"When we looked at the sleigh it needed lots of repairs and maintenance to make it roadworthy and safe.

"If we had spent lots of money of doing the sleigh, but then had no insurance, it would have been a waste."

She added: "We realise that people are going to miss it and we are sorry but it's been out of our hands.

"But we do endeavour to get Santa back on the streets next year."