The NEU teaching union has cancelled its annual conference because of fears over the coronavirus.

The union has informed delegates that it has reached the “difficult decision” because of concerns that many people and particularly those from vulnerable groups would not be able to attend.

A message sent to delegates also says that “having more than 1,500 delegates and guests from all regions and nations in close quarters in an enclosed building for more than four days would have an elevated risk of creating a virus-spreading event.”

The conference was due to be held next month in Bournemouth.