The Local Government Association (LGA) annual conference has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis, it has been announced.

Due to take place in Harrogate at the end of June, the annual conference is just one of the events cancelled by the association between now and the end of August.

LGA chairman, Cllr James Jamieson, said it was disappointing but the health of attendees was the ‘highest priority'.

He said: ‘Given the escalating seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak, we believe this is the right decision.

‘We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back to LGA events as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding at this unprecedented time.'

The annual conference was first held in Manchester in 1997 and has continued every year since. The next is scheduled for Liverpool in 2021.