The Isle of Man Bank has cancelled this year’s Santa Dash due to coronavirus concerns.

Head of local banking Stuart Chivers said the decision to scrap the event was taken because ’sponsoring such a large gathering in the winter months would not be a responsible action during the current pandemic’.

He added: ’Given that the event is not only a fantastic social event but a huge charity fundraiser, Isle of Man Bank will continue to support local charities by donating this year’s prize monies to five local charities chosen by our local colleagues.’

’We will announce which charities are being donated to in the coming weeks, and look forward to seeing even more Santas dashing than ever in 2021.’

Around 250 people participated in last year’s one-mile charity race in Douglas.

The winners of the race were asked by the Isle of Man Bank to choose which local charities they would like the prize money donated to.

The absence of this major fundraising event this year will represent a loss to local charities.