A GROUP of Southampton ice hockey players has cancelled a trip of a lifetime to Canada because of their growing concerns about the SARS virus.

The players, who all used to play in the city when Southampton had an ice rink, were invited to take part in an annual tournament in Toronto - one of the areas affected by the killer disease - by former Canadian members of the Southampton Vikings ice hockey team.

So far 16 people have died in the country from the severe acute respiratory syndrome.

But, after long discussions, the group has decided not to take up the offer, although the players are hopeful of being invited back next year.

One of the players, 34-year-old Dave Sutton, said: "Speaking to people in Canada everything's fine and everything's normal, but this side of the ocean it's a different story.

"We don't want to get out there and then the government say people are not allowed back into the country.

"So the consensus was it's not worth it. We can trust the Canadian government, but we can't trust our own government."

Mr Sutton, from Millais Road in Woolston, has been playing ice hockey for the last 20 years, but has recently hung up his boots.

He said the group invited to Toronto was made up of like-minded former Southampton players who are now scattered all over the country.

Although disappointed they are missing out on such an opportunity, Mr Sutton said he is hopeful they can take part in next year's event.

He added: "It's a lifetime opportunity but hopefully we will all be going again next year. We were all up for going out there, we aren't worried about the SARS. I think Canada has got it under control, it's just everybody else panicking."