Ferries and events off as Storm Darragh approaches

Ferry crossings have been cancelled, roads closed and events postponed ahead of Storm Darragh.

Operator DFDS announced the cancellation of its crossings between Newcastle and Amsterdam until Sunday due to "adverse weather conditions".

Beamish Museum in County Durham will be closed on Saturday, and other events postponed include a fireworks display in Whitehaven, Cumbria, and the Taste of Cumbria food festival in Cockermouth.

Event manager Ellie Jones said: "Windy conditions can be highly dangerous where gazebos and marquees are concerned."

Gusts of more than 90mph (144kmph) are expected to hit some parts of the UK, with the Met Office issuing a rare red wind warning in some locations from the early hours of Saturday.

Amber warnings covering the west coast of England are also in place.

Storm Darragh is due to strike the UK on the same date Storm Desmond struck in 2015, which was described as the largest to hit Cumbria in 600 years.

National Highways has already announced the A66 will be closed in both directions between Augill Beck and Scotch Corner in Cumbria from 07:00 GMT on Saturday for "safety reasons".

Saturday football matches called off include Carlisle United's League Two game at Newport County.

Cumbria Police is asking people to secure loose items in gardens such as bins and trampolines and to avoid travelling if possible.

Superintendent Matt Pearman said: "The public can be reassured that all agencies are working together to ensure our communities have access to the help and support they may need.

"But we would ask them to make themselves aware of the key contacts and ensure any vulnerable people within our communities are also aware and prepared."

In Northumberland, a winter ultra run, the Montane Cheviot Goat, a 59 mile (95km) loop of the Cheviot Hills has been cancelled on the advice of mountain rescue groups.

Organiser Drew Swinburne said: "We had hoped to run it with an amended route but clearly the right thing to do now is to call it off."

A fireworks display in Whitehaven, Cumbria, has been called off.

A spokesperson for the town's council said: "The wind would be just picking up as the event began.

"We've checked the long-range forecast and next Thursday looked to be the best day so we'll hold it then instead."

Bishop Auckland's Christmas Town has also been cancelled due to the weather.

"This difficult decision has been made with everyone's safety in mind," organisers said.

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