Broadcaster Kate Adie has pulled out of a speaking engagement at Romsey Abbey.

The former war correspondent turned author and presenter was due to give the Sixth Ethelflaeda Lecture at the abbey on Saturday evening (October 25).

The lecture is the main event of the Ethelflaeda festival which celebrates the role of women in the church.

The abbey issued a statement on Wednesday saying Ms Adie was unable to attend due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

She will be coming instead to present her lecture “Christian Women in World War One” on Saturday, November 22 at 7.30pm.

Canon Tim Sledge, vicar of Romsey said, “We are disappointed that Kate is unable to be here for one of the highlights of our Patronal Festival Weekend, but we are hugely grateful that she has been able to rearrange her diary and be with us in November instead.”

He added, “We are working on arranging a last-minute stand in for Saturday and hope people will still come along and enjoy the evening.”

He said other festival events were going ahead as planned.

Admission to Ms Adie's lecture in November will be free with a retiring collection in aid of Abbey funds.