UPDATE: Organisers of a charity event say they are devastated after having to cancel it for a second time.

The Margaret Green Animal Rescue country fayre was due to take place in the summer, but had been postponed due to sweltering heat. It was rescheduled to take place tomorrow, but due to strong winds being forecast, it has been cancelled again.

The decision, taken due to the likelihood of high winds and rain which has health and safety implications for the event, is another upsetting blow for the charity.

Geoff Wright, chief executive at MGAR, said: "We know how disappointing this is for our supporters, and I can see first-hand the genuine despondency of the teams here at MGAR who have been working so hard for months to bring this event together.  

"Our first concern has to be the health and safety of all those on site this weekend preparing and running the event, which is why this very difficult decision has been taken."

Geoff added: "It has been a very difficult time for the charity, this is the second major fundraising event at Church Knowle we have had to cancel this year, we do not receive any Government funding and rely heavily on donations from our supporters.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, volunteers, sponsors and traders who were ready to make this such a fabulous day, and extend a warm welcome to join us next year, when we sincerely hope the weather will be more kind to our fundraising needs."

AN EVENT which had to be postponed due to the summer's heatwave has been rescheduled for this month.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue (MGAR) postponed their Country Fayre - one of their biggest fundraising events - due to animal welfare concerns caused by sweltering temperatures.

The popular event is now set to take place on Sunday, September 23 at the Church Knowle rehoming and visitor centre near Wareham.

The fun starts at 11am and organisers say people should get there early to ensure there's enough time to see it all.

Geoff Wright, chief executive at MGAR said: “We have such an entertaining day to share with everyone, the combination of our Family Fun Day, Dog Show and Country Fayre offers something for everyone, especially your family dog, so bring them along with you.”

The dogs have a novelty dog show, dog Olympics and much more to enjoy, plus across the entire site of the Church Knowle Rehoming and Visitor Centre at Church Knowle there are displays, animal introductions, and so many fun things to do, like cantering around the sand school on a hobby horse for a chance to win a rosette.

The unusual decision to postpone the earlier event due to the exceptional heat was taken on animal welfare grounds. Geoff added: “Whilst you cannot put a price on doing the right thing, it has affected our ability to fundraise through the summer, but this show is really outstanding, bringing all our teams together and showcasing the very best of what we do.

“I am looking forward to everyone joining us on the day, there is so much to do and see, it really is going to be something special.”