ORGANISERS of Blackburn's biggest charity bonfire today revealed it will go ahead -- despite concerns the firefighters' strike would pour cold water on their plans.

Members of Rotoract, who organise the annual event in Witton Park, said their insurers have agreed the event, due to raise money for the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Magic Eye Appeal, can take place.

There had been fears it would have to be cancelled because it clashed with a firefighters' strike.

There were concerns about the level of cover provided by Green Goddesses when the fire service went on strike as part of their campaign for a 40 per cent pay rise.

But after taking advice from insurers and fire safety officers at Blackburn Fire Station, the clubs have insisted the bonfire will take place on Saturday, November 2, as planned.

Heather Schofield, Blackburn Rotoract chairman, said: "We have been asked to make sure there are extra fire blankets available on the night and that is not a problem. We are very relieved it can take place."

The bonfire coincides with a 48-hour strike running from 9am on November 2 to 9am on Monday, November 4.

The event will have a bonfire 60ft high and 40ft wide, a spectacular 20-minute firework display, costing £3,000, a huge fun fair and catering vans.

Proceeds will go towards the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Magic Eye Appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for a state-of-the-art ultrasound endoscopic scanner. The equipment will benefit the whole of East Lancashire by offering quicker and less traumatic diagnosis of stomach and oesophagus cancer.

Blackburn with Darwen Council does not organise the Witton Park event, but supports it financially.

Charities to benefit in the past include Marie Curie, the RSPCA, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, East Lancashire Hospice, Life Education and £5,750 for THOMAS (Those On The Margins Of Society) last year.

Station Officer Andrew Barnes, of Blackburn Fire Station, said: "We have done all we can to help the organisers to make sure the event does go ahead and, in my opinion, there is no reason why it shouldn't."

People who want to help put up the bonfire should go to the Witton Park car park off Preston Old Road at 10am next Thursday and Friday morning.