COLOURFUL fireworks crackled across the sky at a range of charity fireworks displays.

The biggest was the Malton and Norton community bonfire, held at the Brooklyn Centre in Norton last Wednesday, which attracted between 12,000 and 13,000 people.

The event was organised by Malton and Norton Rotary Club, and profits estimated at £500 will be donated to charity. Families flocked to the event for its fairground, bonfire, fireworks and hotdogs.

Rotary club president Colin Coates said: “We were very pleased with the turnout, considering the weather was so murky.

“We had more people purposely come and tell us what a good show it was than we have had in previous years.

“This isn’t a fundraising event, but if we make any profit, we give it to charity.

“This year Rotary International is giving money to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which works to eradicate polio from the four countries in the world where it still affects people.”

Another fundraising event took place at the Lodge Hotel in Malton, where 400 people attended a fireworks night last Sunday November 3. Entry was free, but visitors were asked to make a donation to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Tracey Hollroyd, joint owner of the Lodge Hotel, said: “We had a bonfire and fireworks, and there was supposed to be a roundabout for the children, but that was ruled unsafe because of the weather.

“We did the fireworks ourselves because we have been specially trained.

“Unfortunately, just as we uncovered the fireworks to light them, there was a sudden downpour.

“It’s just nice to put a free event on for the people of Malton.

“We had lots of people putting notes as well as coins into the collection box, and the Air Ambulance said that Malton people are always some of the most generous.”

Other fireworks events held in the area included ones in Helmsley and at Castle Howard.