The team behind this summer’s Oxenhope Straw Race has vowed to go ahead with the event, despite the closure of the pub that hosts the start of the race. The race is due to take place on Sunday, July 13. A spokesman for the organising committee this week said: “Following the closure of the Waggon and Horses we are looking at potential alternatives for the start and will make a decision and announcement by the end of May.”

The straw race organisers were informed last month that the Waggon and Horses, in Hebden Bridge Road, had closed and was on the market.

The race has already been put back a week to avoid a clash with the Tour de France.