A PRIEST whose charity was hoping to receive thousands of pounds from this year's Witton Park bonfire today backed the campaign to save the event.

And Father Jim McCartney, who helps drug addicts and the homeless, said: "We rely on donations like this to keep us going."

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph launched the Save The Bonfire Campaign after organisers Rotaract revealed it was due to be cancelled because of a lack of sponsorship and donations. The total cost of the bonfire is due to top £6,000, including a £3,500 firework display. Rotaract need to raise that amount before any money goes to charity. Rotaract said although 10,000 people attended last year, many looked on it as a free night out provided by the council rather than a charity event.

Father McCartney, of St Anne's RC Church, France Street, Blackburn, set up THOMAS (Those on the Margins of Society) in 1994.

The charity was chosen by the Blackburn Rotaract Club and money raised would go towards helping the homeless, probationers and addicts.

THOMAS run a drop in centre at the church house where food is distributed and help is given to find people accommodation.

President of Blackburn Rotaract, Greg Starr said: "We chose THOMAS because it is a local charity helping local people, we just feel that it deserves all the funding that it can get." "Our main aim is to raise as much money as possible, as well as put on a fantastic night for Blackburn.

"If the bonfire is not going to raise enough money, then the people involved will have to ask themselves if is worth going ahead. It would be awful if we had to call it off."

Father McCartney said: "As well as providing a social activity for many people, it has also given something back to the community."

"We survive on donations and charitable support. If it wasn't going ahead then we would lose a very important source on income.

News that the fire may not go ahead this year did not go down well in Blackburn town centre yesterday.

Chris Watson, 30, of St Ledger Court Accrington said: "I remember going with my mum as a boy."

"It would break my heart if it didn't go ahead."

Raymond Reeves, of Wensley Road Blackburn said: "Local firms should get behind it."

Yesterday, Blackburn West Rotary Club president Keith Sowerbutts called on local businesses to support the event.