A charity race to help support paratroopers has been postponed amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The Paras’ 10 race was due to take place in Colchester in May.

It will now instead take place the same weekend as Remembrance Sunday in November.

The race sees runners set off from Abbey Field, running through Merville Barracks and Friday Woods over the same hills and water obstacles crossed by soldiers on training runs.

In a statement organisers said: "Sadly we must bow to the inevitable - last straw was withdrawal of emergency services to events and we cannot risk your safety.

"But this will not beat us. With kind consent of CO 3 PARA (from Kenya) we will have a Paras'10 Colchester on November 7.

"This will be Remembrance weekend so very emotional and appropriate for what we do as a charity.

"Coronavirus means that we have many more veterans needing help, so we need to stick with our no refund policy, but this is our guarantee to you." Those who have entered will be sent an email and given the chance to transfer to the new date, the 2021 race or a race in Catterick in September.

The spokesman added: "Can I ask that the Paras'10 community please bear with us.

"We have a huge amount to do to sort this change, but the best way to beat this virus is to turn out in force on November 7."