MORE than 4,000 people packed onto Chiddingfold village green on Saturday night to enjoy the popular annual bonfire night, which boasted the most spectacular firework display yet.

Back again by popular demand, West Sussex specialists F1 Pyro went up a gear, thanks to a private donation that swelled the annual village fund.

The display wowed the crowd with new delights, such as smiley faces and strobe-like golden horse tails.

Chiddingfold bonfire committee chairman Simon Manuel said: “It was the hardest ever set up this year with really strong winds and driving rain, but we knew from the forecast it would dry up by around 3pm.

“This was my 10th bonfire as chairman and it was the best yet by miles.

“We were lucky to receive funding from an external benefactor that enabled us to top up the display and it made all the difference.

“The fireworks were just incredible.

“I have 30 to 40 volunteers who turn out each year to make it a success and it’s always a real community event. Collections on the night are ring-fenced to pay for vouchers that Chiddingfold senior citizen can use in our shops and profits are distributed between village groups and organisations.

“Everyone who helps us gets money back. We had a group of pupils from Stepping Stones School, in Hindhead, for children with special educational needs, who came with governors and their head teacher and they said they had a wonderful night.”