A TOWN has been forced to pull the plug on its first organised Bonfire Night celebration because a funding bid has fallen through.

Ferryhill was set to hold a professional fireworks display with fairground shows at the Mainsforth Sports Complex, on Friday, November 5.

But community group Ferryhill 2000, the town council and local police officers who planned the event have been told a grant application has been unsuccessful.

They had hoped to receive £4,500 from Durham Police Authority to cover the costs of a professional pyrotechnics company and the show providers.

But the application to the community safety grants scheme, which supports projects across County Durham aiming to reduce crime and disorder, was turned down as committee members did not feel it met the criteria.

Ferryhill 2000 secretary and town council clerk Jamie Corrigan said: "Everyone involved is very disappointed not to get the funding and that we had to cancel but will look for alternative ways to pay for an event next year.

"The money collected on the gate would pay for next year's event and it would be self-funding in future.

"Fortunately no money has been lost, though a lot of planning work had gone into it, we'd organised the venue, stewards and a shuttle bus to run from Ferryhill Station so car parking was a problem."

Organisers expected 3,000 to 4,000 people at the event including hundreds of children and teenagers who could otherwise be tempted to buy and set their own fireworks off.

Mr Corrigan said the main motivation behind the event was to cut the dangers and anti-social behaviour associated with DIY fireworks displays.

He said: "Last year lots of youngsters got hold of fireworks and used them in an uncontrolled, unsafe environment.

"It is dangerous for them, innocent members of the public and is a nuisance especially for the elderly.

"We thought if we gave them an event to meet up, see a big professional display and enjoy the attractions less would go off on their own.

"I know beat officer PC Chris Metcalfe was keen and worked hard on the application as he felt it could improve anti-social behaviour."