An appeal has been issued to ensure one of Blackburn's most popular bonfires goes with a bang.

Supporters of the Blackburn Charity Bonfire at Witton Park have found themselves short of wood ahead of their spectacular on Saturday, November 8.

And organisers are hoping Blackburn and Darwen firms can rally around and provide some fuel from the bonfire, which benefits a number of good causes in the borough and regularly attracts thousands.

Event chair Frank Barratt told the Lancashire Telegraph: "This year's Blackburn Charity Bonfire Event at Witton Park needs help from local companies.

"We need your pallets and pallet-type wood to burn on this year’s bonfire at Witton Park.

"Unfortunately, one of the bonfire event's main suppliers of large pallets has closed, leaving us with a big hole to fill in this year’s bonfire pallet count.

"We follow the government guidelines on only burning clean pallet-type wood. If there are any companies out there who have pallets or pallet-type wood that we can burn for you, please message us at charitybonfire@outlook.com with your company contact details and one of our team will contact you to book you a delivery slot on either Thursday, November 7, or Friday, November 8."

Gates open on the night at 5pm with the bonfire lit at 7pm and a fireworks display from 7.30pm.

The bonfire event is staged thanks to the combined efforts of Blackburn Round Table, Blackburn Lions, Blackburn Rotary Club, and the 41 Club, backed by sponsors, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Witton Park Academy, Parkinson Signs and Adhan Group Property Rentals.

Last year's bonfire helped the likes of Blackburn Samaritans, St Frances' Scouts & Guides, St George's Scouts & Guides, Blackburn Food Bank, Ivy Street Community Centre, Blackburn Sea Cadets, Blackburn Marine Cadets, Blackburn Youth Darts Academy, Derian House Children’s Hospice, The Burrow, Hyndburn Baby Bank and Blackburn Youth Zone.

For tickets to this year's event go online to ticketebo.co.uk/blackburn-charity-bonfire/blackburn-charity-bonfire-2024