A NEW fund-raising initiative to support the team behind the organisation of Hexham’s popular fireworks display has been launched.

Hexham Round Table will this year hold its inaugural community quiz, with planning well under way for the event on Saturday, April 4.

A variety of community groups, charities and businesses from across Tynedale are being invited to join by entering a team.

Thomas Nelson of Hexham Round Table said the team hoped to have more than 200 entrants making up around 50 teams on the night.

Funds made from the event will be used by the group and reinvested in the local community through events, such as Hexham’s Bonfire Night fireworks display.

The group also funds local projects, with recent examples being donating specialist camping hammock sets to the 1st Haydon Bridge Scouts Group, and a professional food mixer to the Hextol Foundation.

Hexham Round Table has previously appealed for new members to allow it to continue the work it does in the community.

Thomas said: “We hope that the event will allow groups from Tynedale to come together as a community and allow us to showcase Hexham Round Table to prospective new members. Equally importantly however, we hope to create an opportunity for groups not aware of the work of Hexham Round Table to make links with us so that we will be well placed to offer our support to them in future, should they need it.”

The event has already secured sponsorship from local solicitors firm, Nicholson Portnell, which is helping to organise trophies for a range of categories such as best school PTA, best local business and best charity. In addition, the firm will also provide a grand prize for the overall winner.