THE popular Chateau Impney Hill Climb has been axed in a surprising move by its promoters.

There had been an event planned for 2020 - understood to be scheduled for the weekend of July 18 and 19 - but organisers have issued a statement to say it “will unfortunately not be taking place”.

The event, which attracted 20,000 motorsport fanatics last year, had been running at the Droitwich Spa hotel for five years.

At the event crowds were wowed by hundreds of pre-1967 cars competing to make or break records in various classes. The 2019 event also included a fly past from the world famous Lancaster Bomber.

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On the organiser’s Facebook post, featuring the statement announcing the cancellation, there were a number of comments with people asking why. There has been some speculation it could have been axed due to noise complaints from neighbours, while others have said it might be due to the cost of getting insurance for the event.

In the 2016 event driver Edmund Burgess was trapped underneath a Bugatti Type 51 after it overturned. After walking away from the crash he went to hospital and was admitted to intensive care, going on to make a full recovery.

Thousands of spectators used to pack into the grounds of the Spa hotel in the 1960s to watch the leading lights of hill climbing do battle. After the event stopped in 1967, it made a return in 2015 with Rod Spollon, chairman of the Chateau Impney Hill Climb Club, saying they were “thrilled to be able to bring motorsport back to Chateau Impney.”

The event also raised money for charity including last year for Caudwell Children, the national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.

In the statement, organisers said: "The 2019 Chateau Impney Hill Climb will be the last of this series of motoring events at Chateau Impney.

“Consequently, the 2020 event will unfortunately not be taking place. Hosting the hill climb has been an amazing five years.

“We set out to create memorable experiences which consistently exceeded expectations, to create an event that felt exclusive but was incredibly inclusive and to deliver an event worthy of a recognisable award.

“We have achieved all the above and it is now time for us to bow out in style and focus on the exciting next chapter for Chateau Impney. We would like to thank all the partners, team and guests for their support over the years, as we couldn’t have done it without you, and we look forward to involving you in our future.”