WE'VE saved the bonfire! Organisers are going ahead with this year's event at Witton Park after a Lancashire Evening Telegraph campaign prompted scores of pledges of support.

Blackburn's annual fire and fireworks event, which attracts 10,000 people from the town and the surrounding area, was under threat for the first time in its 20 year history because of a lack of cash.

The fire has raised thousands of pounds for local charities but in recent years donations to good causes have dwindled.

Rotaract blamed this on the fact people ignored collection buckets, believing the event was put on for free by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

But since our appeal was launched, local businesses and residents have pledged almost £1,000 in sponsorship and donations -- and scores of other people have pledged to get behind the event due to publicity about the good work it does for charity.

Pub licensees have also collected money from boxes put on bars throughout the area.

Organisers today paid tribute to the campaign -- and said they hoped this year's show, on Saturday November 3, would be bigger and better than ever.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun John Williams, said: "I would like to thank the Lancashire Evening Telegraph very much. Their efforts have been magnificent.

"It would have been a great shame if the bonfire had been cancelled, it means so much to so many people.

"I would also like to congratulate the Rotaract Club for their endeavours. They have struggled against the perception that the bonfire is a council run event and deserve all the credit for it.

"When the donations buckets are passed around on November 3, people should remember it is Rotaract doing the collecting and not the council."

Chairman of the bonfire committee and vice-president of Blackburn Rotaract, Geoff Moss, said: "We wanted to ensure that the cost of the night was covered before the fire so that everything given on November 3 went straight to charity.

"The publicity given to us by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's campaign to save the fire has gone a long way.

"After meeting with other members of the Rotaract Club, we feel a lot more confident about covering the costs and raising a decent amount of money for charity.

"We are happy with the money that has been raised so far and are going to take a gamble and go ahead with the bonfire."

So far around £650 has been given in sponsorship, with £500 from Brookhouse, Darwen, but the fireworks alone will cost £3,500 so more funds are still vital if charities are to benefit from the event.

This year's chosen charity is THOMAS, a drop in centre for the homeless based at St Annes Church, France Street, Blackburn.

Father Jim McCartney who runs THOMAS said: "Any source of funding is greatly appreciated, so we are delighted that it will go ahead."

Father Jim also said the evening was always a great occasion for the community of Blackburn.

He added: "We can feed up to 70 homeless people a day at the centre, so the money we receive will be spent on running costs."

Blackburn Rotaract president Gregg Starr, said: "We are extremely happy with the support we have received from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"A special thank you must also go to the publicans who have made a tremendous effort with their collection boxes."