World Pooh Sticks Championships called off over safety

One of Oxfordshire's best-loved charity events has been called off due to safety fears over high river levels.

The annual Pooh-sticks event, at Little Wittenham, was scheduled to take place today, but due to heavy rain parts of the Thames have been closed off.

Hundreds turn out to watch and take part in the event, based on AA Milne's tales about Winnie the Pooh and friends, each year.



The race involves dropping a stick into the river and seeing how long it takes to get to the finish line.

Liz Williamson, one of the organisers, said it was only the second time in the event's 27-year history it had been cancelled.

The event is set to be rescheduled for the end of the summer when the boat traffic on the River Thames reduces.