THOUSANDS of people basked in the glow of towering flames at Hexham’s Bonfire Night celebrations, before a spectacular display of fireworks took to the sky.

The annual bonfire and fireworks display was a resounding success with locals and visitors flocking to the Sele to enjoy the event.

Gareth Evans, chairman of Hexham Round Table, which organises the event, said: “It was really busy. With it being half term the numbers might have been down a little bit but there were lots of crowds supporting the event.

“This is one of the biggest things for Hexham and people come back to Hexham every year to enjoy it, and we definitely want to keep that up.”

The event also included a Guy Fawkes competition and visitors could buy food and drinks.

Just under £13,000 was raised as a result, which will go towards the running of the event as well as to local charities.

The round table had expressed fears that this could be the last year it was able to organise the Bonfire Night event, due to its dwindling membership. However, Mr Evans added that someone else had expressed an interest, in joining and the group would continue to recruit for new members to ensure they could go ahead for next year. “We are really encouraging people to come forward,” he said.

“If a local business was able to donate a van to us for next year, that would also be a massive help. Other than that we rely on volunteers on the night which we are really grateful for.”