MORE than 1,200 revellers flocked to Milland for the annual village bonfire and spectacular fireworks display held against a moonlit backdrop.

The event at the village recreation ground attracted people from beyond the village with some visitors traveling many miles to be there.

John Collier, from the organising committee, said: “We have received a lot of positive feedback about the quality of our fireworks display and the relaxed, family-friendly nature of the whole event.

“The hog roast proved particularly popular, with two whole pigs being consumed in little more than 90 minutes.”

Earlier in the evening, the competition for best guy and best carved pumpkin was held with children from Milland Nursery School and James Vigar winning top prizes in the best guy, and Ellie and Holly Durham in the best pumpkin categories, all receiving a certificate and boxes of sweets.

A number of village-based groups also used bonfire night as an opportunity to raise funds. The sports club ran the bar, which also served mulled wine, and the village hall team sold homemade soup and hot chocolate, as well as organising a raffle. Hollycombe School had an array of sweets, home-ade cakes and glow sticks for sale, and Milland Stores offered hot dogs and coffee as well as all their usual range of products.

Organised by the bonfire and fireworks committee on behalf of the parish council, the event has been an annual fixture in the Milland calendar for more than 50 years.

John added: “The organising committee would like to thank the many people from the village as well as 40 volunteer marshals, who helped in so many ways with the running the event.”

All profits will be distributed to Milland-based charities, voluntary organisations and good causes. In the past these have included village halls, sports clubs, Hollycombe School, the community shop and recreation ground.