IT attracts 6,000 people a year and is one of the most popular events on the Hampshire calendar.

But the annual open day at HMS Collingwood in Fareham has had to be cancelled this year - because of the weather.

The wettest April on record has waterlogged the car parks and some of the on-site locations and organisers say they were left with no option other than to pull the plug on the event, on May 26.

This year a huge array of attractions had been lined up including the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Field Gun Competition.

But those planning the extravaganza said the conditions under foot were a hazard to the public.

Open Day Officer Lieutenant Commander Philippa Sargent said: “We at HMS Collingwood are all hugely disappointed that this decision has had to be made. The area we normally use for our car parking is like a quagmire as are some of the areas on site used for attractions.

“The health and safety of our visitors is of paramount importance and regrettably the weather has created too much of a hazard. A great deal of work has already taken place to make this the exceptional day for the local community that it normally is and we can only apologise to all our supporters and hope that they come and join us again next year.”

If you have already bought your advance ticket, call 01329 332312 for a refund.