A CROWD of more than 1,300 people, including visitors from as far away as Farnham and Chichester, flocked to Milland for the village’s annual bonfire and fireworks evening.

They witnessed one of the biggest bonfires seen in Milland for many years and a spectacular, 15-minute long, fireworks display which was provided by Sussex-based Aurora Fireworks.

Milland bonfire and fireworks evening organising committee member John Collier said: “We have received a lot of positive feedback about the size and spectacle of the giant bonfire, the quality of the firework display and the relaxed, family-friendly nature of the event.”

Before the firework display, there were best guy and best carved pumpkin competitions for children.

Although there were fewer entries than in previous years, the standard was high and all the winners received a certificate and boxes of sweets.

Food and drink was in high demand.

As usual, the hog roast proved particularly popular with two whole pigs being consumed in little more than 90 minutes.

A number of village-based groups also used bonfire night as an opportunity to raise funds.

The sports club ran the bar and sold mulled wine, and the village hall team sold homemade soup and hot chocolate as well as organising a raffle.

Hollycombe Primary School sold an array of sweets and homemade cakes and Milland Stores was open selling hot dogs, burgers and coffee, as well as all its usual range of products.

Organised by the bonfire and fireworks committee on behalf of Milland Parish Council, the bonfire and fireworks event has been an annual fixture in the village’s calendar for more than 50 years.

The organising committee, all volunteers from the village, thanked the many people from the village who helped so tirelessly and in so many ways with organising and running the event.

More than 40 volunteers helped on the night as safety marshals, ticket collectors, food servers or by providing specialist electrical and catering services.

All profits from the event will be distributed to Milland-based charities, voluntary organisations and good causes.

In the past these have included the village halls, sports club, Hollycombe Primary School, the community shop and the recreation ground.