End of line for Trevithick parade

Richard Trevithick invented the first self-propelled vehicle

The centrepiece of steam celebrations in Cornwall which remember Richard Trevithick as the 'father of the steam engine' have been cancelled this year because of safety concerns.

The Trevithick Day parade of steam engines and steam-driven cars through Camborne's main street draws thousands of people to the town.

But police have raised concerns about the parade on 24 April.

They fear someone could be seriously injured because the crowd is so close to some of the engines.

RICHARD TREVITHICK Born Illogan, Cornwall, 1771 1801: Invented first self-propelled vehicle, a steam engine which travelled up Camborne Hill 1804: Invented the first steam-powered train to run successfully on rails

Event organiser Paul Barnes, said the engines would still be there, but only as part of a static display.

He said: "I am disappointed. Trevithick is an historical figurehead.

"But this year the police have told us they will oppose the road closures if the steam engines run."

A police spokesman said there had been a number of meetings to try to ensure public safety.

But there were a number of breaches of a road closure order last year when barriers were removed to allow the steam engines through.