AN airshow that was to have been held this summer has been called off.

The Great Yorkshire AirFest had been due to take place at Church Fenton, near York, on July 2 and 3.

However the organisers said the "difficult decision" to cancel followed "a particularly challenging year for the air show community.”

Factors included increased fees following new Civil Aviation Authority regulations, the need for heavy infrastructure investment and a slow uptake in ticket sales.

“We are incredibly disappointed to cancel,” said a spokesman.

"This year has been challenging for everyone involved in the air show community as we’ve seen from the number of UK shows which have been postponed or cancelled.

“At all times, our priority has been to host a safe and entertaining show for all visitors.

"Despite the great efforts and hard work from all the AirFest team, running a viable event for 2016 will be incredibly difficult.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has supported the AirFest in 2016 and hope to be back in the future.”

All those who have already bought tickets will be refunded in full directly through Eventbrite.

For any other enquiries, email info@yorkshireairfest.co.uk