MORE than 8,000 visitors packed into Chiddingfold village green on Saturday night to enjoy an action-packed bonfire night, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display by Fi Pyro.

Mulled wine, beer and hot food stalls opened for business from 5pm and so great was the demand they had nearly all sold out by close of play at around 9pm.

Chiddingfold Bonfire Night has been held on the green for more than 170 years and is rated one of the best family events in Surrey.

When village business Coopers Stick Factory closed down in the 1990s it donated around 10,000 chestnut sticks for use as torches in the annual procession from St Mary’s Primary School, which also makes the guy each year, to light the fire.

A host of good causes in and around Chiddingfold, including Stepping Stones special needs school in Haslemere, benefit from the money raised.

Bonfire committee chairman Simon Manuel said: “It was amazing – a resounding success.

“The weather was exceptionally kind and I’ve never seen the stalls so busy.

“We will be able to distribute a really good amount of money, thanks to another bumper event this year.”