Residents in Amersham have said they are 'gutted' after plans for a coronation picnic were cancelled due to bad weather. 

Amersham Town Council announced yesterday (May 6) that the King's Coronation Picnic in the Park that was scheduled to take place on the King George V Playing Field on Monday, May 8, would no longer go ahead. 

A council representative said: "It is with great regret that we have made the difficult decision to cancel the coronation event on Monday, due to heavy rain forecast.

"Sadly, this also means the children's coronation parade is cancelled."

Sunday, May 7, is beginning to look like the rose between two thorns as both the Saturday and Sunday of the coronation bank holiday weekend have fallen prey to dismal weather forecasts.

A similar community celebration planned for Saturday, May 6, in Marlow - the Party Like A King event - was also cancelled at the last minute due to Met Office warnings.

Commenting on the Amersham council's announcement, Jill McCay wrote: "I'm absolutely gutted!"

Judy Baker added: "I would have thought something could be done - even if just the children's fancy dress parade and some of the local stalls. Such a shame to have to cancel everything."

Anita Pearce also voiced her concern, writing: "Such short notice. People would have spent money and all the bands would have been booked."

The council are encouraging any children who were hoping to take part in the coronation parade to email photos of their costumes to info@amersham-tc.gov.uk before Tuesday, May 9, to be in with a chance of winning a prize.