THOUSANDS were wowed at firework extravaganzas as the sky lit up across East Hampshire.

It all went with a bang as villages, pubs and schools gathered to ooh and ahh at spectacular displays and blazing bonfires.

More than 4,000 people at Bell Hill in Petersfield on Saturday helped raise around £8,000 for local charities. Young carers from the King’s Arms Youth Project were VIP guests at the event, organised by the Round Table.

Around £2,000 was made for local groups by the Buriton fireworks and bonfire, which featured a procession from the village pond. And £2,400 was made by the Friends of Sheet School at their display which attracted 800 people.

“We had some great feedback about the display,” said friends’ chairwoman Lucy Mitchell. A free event at The Pub with No Name at Priors Dean hosted 400 revellers, with hot food and a band.