A popular annual fundraiser has announced it will no longer run, blaming Southend Council for the decision.

Stones Throw, which over the past three years has raised almost £30,000 for Cancer Research, took to Facebook to inform followers they had not gained the support of Southend Council and therefore had sadly taken the decision to bring the event to a close.

More than 500 people took part in last year’s event, which saw fundraisers taking part in a sponsored pier walk and throw a stone marked with the name of somebody affected by cancer off the end of Southend Pier.

A spokesman from Stones Throw, a group set up to help beat cancer, stated: “Without the support of the Pier, which is the heart of the walk, we have no other option and we are sorry to all our supporters.

"It’s a shame as over the three previous years we went from 150 throwers to 700 and so the support of the public was nothing short of phenomenal and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“It seems a shame to have ended this way as we are sure it would have grown and would have become a loved annual event for Southend but sadly it wasn’t to be.”

Supporters of the event vented their frustrations about the cancellation of the event, which is the latest to end. Others, such as Southend Shakedown, have also been cancelled although unofficial versions continue.

Southend Council disputed claims the end of the event had anything to do with the council.

A spokesman said: “It is incorrect to say the organisers have been unable to gain council or pier support for their annual walk.

"We are proud to host charity events on the pier and would be happy for the Stones Throw Walk to continue, but ultimately this is a decision for the organisers.

“The Stones Throw Pier Walk is something we have supported over the last three years and we have done this in a variety of ways, including by offering free pier entry to a number of those officially involved in the event and as a small example, by waiving historic bye-laws that prevent stones being thrown from the pier.

“Whilst there is a small events charge of £63.50 applicable for 2018, this still allows free entry onto the pier for an agreed number of participants registered in advance by the organisers.

“It also allows the charity to collect money for the charity and encourage others to take part once they are on the pier.

“This is a similar agreement that we have with the Leigh Rotary Club who run the Great Pier Walk each year and which will take place this year on Sunday May 6.”