One of the highlights of Gloucestershire's policing calendar is the latest local event to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to take place at Waterwells police headquarters in September, the Gloucestershire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner's Open Day has been called off due to concerns over how the event could run safely with social distancing measures.

Held since 2014, last year the free event saw 11,850 members of the public take the chance to meet the police, sit inside a patrol car, watch police dog demonstrations and even see a riot in action.

The re-introduction of an event for the public was part of Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl's Police and Crime Plan when he was elected in 2012.

He said: "Engaging with the public in such a positive way is a fantastic opportunity for the OPCC and the Constabulary, and it's a real shame we won't be able to host the Open Day this year.

"Public safety is our priority and it wouldn't be right for us to invite thousands of families to visit us under the current circumstances."

Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: "The Open Day is one of the highlights of our year, and we're always proud to welcome visitors to Waterwells to meet their local force, it's a real celebration of what we do in Gloucestershire.

"While it would be wonderful to celebrate after the tough year we've faced so far, I hope we'll be able to return safely in 2021 with an even bigger celebration than ever before."