THOUSANDS of people have tonight marvelled at the fireworks and admired the huge bonfire at the annual charity event organised by North Yorkshire firefighters.

Work on site in Rawcliffe Country Park began at dawn when, as every year, N Jagger Demolition Ltd of York delivered its donation of three wagonloads of scrap wood. Off-duty firefighters laboured all day to build the bonfire and ensure the safety of those attending.

At least 5,000 people gasped and aahed as the sky above them filled with colour from 7.30pm onwards.

Even the long queue for the burger stall forgot about food and stared skywards.

Afterwards many of those attending declared it had been a fantastic evening.

Nearby resident Natalie Hoyland, who comes every year, said: "It's well organised, you know you are in safe hands with the firefighters, what more could you want?"

Lots of the young children attending had multi-coloured light sticks and many spectators old and young stayed on after the fireworks display to admire the bonfire.

Firefighter and joint organiser Peter Barratt praised the various businesses and organisations who help stage the event which raises for the Fire Fighters Charity.

"We really enjoy it when the community comes together to help run the event," he said.

As well as off-duty firefighters from as far away as Kirbymoorside, volunteers from Barclays Bank, first aiders, and others acted as crowd control marshals and provided other assistance.

Community fire safety staff gave advice to householders and local band Melting Pot provided the music.

The spectators who started arriving from 5pm onwards included three generations of the Maughan family for whom the event was part of the joint celebrations of their two young birthday girls Rachel and Sariah.

The burger, coffee and beer stalls were popular draws, as were the amusement rides before the main entertainment began with the lighting of the bonfire between 7pm and 7.15pm.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service provided its usual cover across the county throughout the day and evening.