A running event that takes place weekly in Ulverston has been cancelled for all of January.

The Ford Park Run is a free 5k event every Saturday at 9am but the recent weather conditions has put its short-term future in doubt.

The heavy rainfall has severely impacted the usual route at the park meaning it will not be running for the next month at least.

The organisers said: "The ground is saturated after what has been a very wet winter and despite use of mats and rerouting some sections, the course remains really muddy and slippery.

"Furthermore, the long range forecast for January is predicting plenty of rain."

The hope is that, by keeping people away for a month, it will give the ground the time it needs to properly recover.

"We propose to organise the spreading of wood chippings towards the end of January with the aim of returning to parkrun on Saturday, February 3," said organisers.

All is not lost for those who take part every week or for those who wanted to give it a try for the first time.

"We hope that you will take the opportunity to do a little parkrun tourism in our local area," the organisers added. 

"Millom parkrun is hosting their 300th run on January 20 and they are very keen to break their participant record."

The organisers thanked the volunteers who had signed onto the roster for January and hoped that they would be back for the expected February relaunch.

Whilst there were understandable levels of disappointment at the news, people were still grateful to those involved for putting the runners' safety first.

"Sad to hear but huge pat on the back for your concern for the health of the grounds," one person commented.

Another added: "Right decision given how quagmire like the path is becoming - the park definitely needs a break for a few weeks."