Newtownstewart's annual Festival of Lights will not take place this Christmas, the organising association has announced.

The Two Castles Community Development Association confirmed the cancellation, citing an inability to secure public funding needed to stage the event.

The festival, which has run for the past five years, had attracted several hundred people to the town each year, according to the association.

In a statement, the association said the decision was made reluctantly and expressed gratitude to all who had supported the event.

"This has been a very difficult decision as you can all imagine, but unfortunately without the public funding needed to deliver the 'Festival of Lights', we are unable to proceed," the statement said.

The association thanked dedicated volunteers, local businesses, community partners, and those who participated in the annual truck and tractor run.

It also acknowledged everyone who attended the event, braving the weather each year.

"Your enthusiasm, generosity and community spirit have created many wonderful Newtownstewart Christmas memories," the statement added.