Run Wigan Festival organisers suspend registrations over coronarvirus fears

Registration for the fourth annual event has been suspended as organisers await details from the government on social distancing and how that will affect mass gatherings.

Wigan’s running spectacle was scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 22.

Organisers said on Facebook: "We have taken the decision to suspend registration for the event as we await details from the Government on social distancing and how that will affect mass gatherings.

"We will wait to see the details of the restrictions before making any further announcements.

"Please rest assured we will follow and comply with Government guidelines and respond to any change in the current advice.

"Thank you for your patience."

Three people in the borough have tested positive for the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus.

The number of confirmed infections has reached 798 in the UK with 11 deaths.

It comes as the UK government is planning to introduce emergency laws next week to ban mass gatherings of more than 500 people in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.