SADLY Santa is no longer returning to the walled town of Conwy on Christmas Eve.

The event was set to involve music from 5.30pm and carols in the square from 6pm. Santa and his elf were expected to wave from the castle walls at 6.45pm.

Cllr Collette Ryan, mayor of Conwy, said: "It is with a very heavy heart that as Mayor of Conwy Town Council, I have to inform you all that this year’s Christmas Eve event has had to be cancelled. This is due to the new strain of Covid that is tearing through our communities.

"Myself, fellow councillors, the staff team and the safety advisor worked long into the night yesterday discussing how the event could possibly continue but there were too many obstacles stacked against us.

"The health of our community must come first."