I AM writing on behalf of the four Rotary Clubs in Blackburn and Darwen, and the Rotaract Club of Blackburn, to thank the people of Blackburn and Darwen for their wholehearted and generous support for the Bonfire at Witton Park earlier this year.

The final figure of £5,750 raised for the charity THOMAS surpassed our wildest expectations.

Thanking all the sponsors, I must begin by thanking the Lancashire Evening Telegraph for saving such an important community event. Without that help, there would have been a serious doubt as to whether it could have taken place at all.

The Evening Telegraph's support was not only instrumental in attracting sponsors, but also in raising the awareness of the community throughout Blackburn and Darwen.

The fact that the bonfire was both a successful social event and a magnificent fund raising venture was due to the combination of the power of the local press and the wholehearted support of the community in response to that publicity. The success of the 2001 bonfire has encouraged us to work to ensure that in 2002, the bonfire will be bigger and brighter than ever before, and we hope even more successful in raising money for local charities.

KEITH SOWERBUTTS (President, Blackburn West Rotary Club), Lovely Hall Lane, Salesbury, Blackburn.