The organisers of this Sunday's Largs Fun Run have had to cancel the annual event.

The annual fun run, which was launched in 1984, has raised lots of money for a number of charities over the years.

This year's 10k event was intended to be raising funds for Prostate Cancer. It traditionally starts and finishes at Barrfields Park, and includes a seafront route along the prom to Mackerston.

But Ron Muir of Largs Rotary contacted the 'News' on Monday afternoon, and said: "We have had to cancel the event as we have been unable to afford first aid cover - it is a real shame.

"We have spoken to the Largs First Responders but unfortunately they are unable to provide first aid at the event.

"The price of medical cover in recent years has gone up and up, and now, we are in a position that it would have cost more to get medical cover than it was to organise the event.

"It was too much money, and unfortunately we are left in the position that we have had to cancel."

The Rotary had also struggled to get stewarding for the event.

Ron added; "It is just registration on the day, so no runners have signed up in advance.

"We realise it is a difficult situation, and there will be disappointment, but unfortunately there is nothing we can do."

"It is the Red Cross or St Andrews who normally do the first aid, but prices have gone up year on year."

"We don't make much money out of the event.

"We normally get around 50 runners at £12 a head - it is a charity event, but there is no point giving so much money out, if we can't make money from the event - it is a bit self defeating.

"It has been harder and harder each year to run the event."

The Largs Rotary, who have also organised Santa fun runs along the seafront esplanade at Christmas in recent years, have confirmed that the event would not be rescheduled.

However, runners need not despair as there is a Millport 10 miler around the Isle of Cumbrae which takes place on Sunday 20 May at 12.15.

Registration details are available at www.facebook.com/Millport10Miler/