THE sky erupted into colour and the crowds ran through an avenue of fire as Guy Fawkes returned to his native York to tell the story of the original Gunpowder Plot.

More than ten thousand people crowded on to Knavesmire for a Bonfire Night to remember.

Trevor Rooney, who heads a York ghost walk, donned the character of the infamous plotter from 1605 to start 1,500 runners on the 5km Gunpowder Plod whose route was lined with pyrotechniques, a fiery tower and ground-level light extravaganzas.

Then a huge bonfire blazed across Knavesmire.

The firework spectacular which was due to start at 8pm was delayed for 45 minutes due to several people running on to a restricticted area. The police had to be called to remove them before the main event could begin.

The crowd waited patiently and were kept amused with live music, entertainment, food and drink.

"Everyone is having a really good time," said Danielle Brodie, marketing manager for organisers Rat Race Adventure Sports.

After starting the energetic plodders off on their memorable 5km, Guy Fawkes entertained the less energetic attenders with the story of how he and his fellow conspirators nearly blew up the Houses of Parliament.

The event was expected to bring £500,000 into the York economy and involved 100 Yorkshire businesses of many different kinds.