A POPULAR airshow, which was set to return after being enjoyed by about 90,000 people from Furness and beyond two years ago, has been cancelled.

Wings Over Walney was set to take place on July 28 and was being organised to take place at Walney airfield by former Ulverston Victoria High School pupil Paul Rose.

Mr Rose, who was awarded the MBE in 2001 for services to the defence industry after 23 years of working in the shipyards of Barrow, said the free event, on land owned by BAE Systems, could not go ahead because a vital document was not sufficiently detailed to meet the company's corporate standards required for the show.

Mr Rose said: "On a personal note, may I take this opportunity to apologise to the Barrow community, its businesses and visiting tourists for this failure to put on a third event, and especially to all those who have given so much time and effort in putting together two previously fantastically memorable events.

"I hope that they and their families can forgive me for taking up so much of their time and effort."

Mr Rose said the organising committee of volunteers had looked into the possibility of holding the show on the shores of Walney but decided the effect on local people and likelihood of closing public walkways meant it was unfair on the public.

Mr Rose added: "I will be writing to all those participants who have arranged to fly at, or support with professional skills, this year's failed event.

"The planned flying display would have taken a similar route as the last shows did, thrilling, memorable, and spectacular giving a wow factor, but it is not to be."