Bonfire night celebrations in Middleton, near Pickering, may go off with a whimper rather than a bang this year after the village bonfire party was cancelled.

The cancellation brings to an end a 25-year tradition of bonfire night celebrations in Middleton.

Organiser Brenda Harrison said it was "a real shame" the bonfire was off, but blamed the cancellation on a number of factors.

She said: "As well as the insurance problems there were safety implications.

"Firstly, getting people across the busy road into the field was dangerous.

"But secondly, people had unfortunately come to see the bonfire as a way of getting rid of their unwanted rubbish.

"We had all sorts dumped on the fire last year, including windows that were still full of glass, builders' rubbish, that sort of thing."

The dumping caused environmental problems for the host, farmer Les Thompson, who lost both time and money cleaning the field afterwards, Mrs Harrison said.

It was six months before he could plough the field again.

Mrs Harrison added: "It is a shame, but the villagers seem to have taken it quite well. We have had no real complaints.

"Who knows whether it will be on next year? We could do with some younger people volunteering to run it."

Of the bonfire's cancellation Mr Thompson said: "There are a lot of reasons. Insurance is one of them.

"But nobody has really said anything. They didn't make any money last year anyway, what with wet weather and everything. It might be on again next year."

Meanwhile, Malton and Norton residents will be pleased to hear organisers of their bonfire party are nearly ready to light the blue touch paper.

Organised by the local Rotary Club, the display, at Norton Youth Centre, sees a wide range of stalls and refreshments on offer in addition to the fireworks.

There is traditionally a large crowd at the event.

Rotarian Derek Fox said: "It is a very well organised event and is always a lot of fun.

"We make sure all the necessary precautions are taken so everyone can enjoy bonfire night safely."

Derek then revealed the Rotary Club's secret for making sure there is fine weather on the night - divine intervention.

He laughed: "We have had a vicar in the Rotary Club for a long time now, and every year they pray for good weather.

"It seems to have worked - of the last 12 displays, we have had a fine night almost every time."

The display will be on November 4 from 6pm. Tickets, costing £1.50 juniors and £3.50 adults, are available from a range of local shops.