Two popular fireworks events in Weymouth will not take place this year, it has been announced.

Organisers of the displays held at Southill and at Billy Winters Bar and Diner at Ferrybridge have confirmed the separate events will not go ahead in 2018.

Jon Gabb, who has organised the charity-supporting community fireworks in Southill for 22 years, said he has not been able to plan a display this year due to the illness of his mother.

He said: “Since February my time has been spent looking after my mum as she is deteriorating. It takes around six to seven months to organise the display and it slowly runs my spare time.

“I’ve contacted all the sponsors and they’re very supportive. Sometimes a break is needed; it's run by volunteers so no-one gets paid for doing it, and it does cost money despite receiving sponsorship.

“In 2012 we held a display in memory of my late father and then we took a break in 2013. My mum and dad were really the original founders of the fireworks, they held them in our back garden when we were growing up and invited all the neighbours.”

The free event was also held off for 2015, returning in 2016. Usually held in mid-November, it attracts thousands of people annually, and Mr Gabb said he hopes the event will make a return next year.

Management at Billy Winters posted on social media to say that their event would not be held due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

The post continued to say it had “taken on board comments and feedback” from its 2017 event and would return in 2019.

Last year's event attracted huge numbers.

Speaking to the Echo Mathew Connolly, assistant manager at the bar and diner, said: “Unfortunately we cannot get the same company as the previous two years to provide our fireworks.

“Given this, we did not want to hold a sub-standard firework display and so decided to cancel our plans.

“This was just as disappointing for us as it was for everyone else. We do, however, have plans for an opening event in February for us and our sister restaurant The Crabhouse Café.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's Bonfire Night celebrations are due to be held on Monday, November 5.

Other big events are held in the area including at Dorchester Rugby Club where a display will be held on Saturday, November 3.