A SEA monster will be burned on Skinningrove beach tonight to celebrate bonfire night.

This year's bonfire at the coastal village, near Saltburn, is a large lobster which appears to be emerging from the sea. Thousands of people are expected to arrive at the village - which has a population of only 400 - to watch the lobster burn.

There will also be a parade at which the village's children will hold lanterns and models made in workshops in the past few weeks.

All the models will fit in with this year's theme of mystery creatures of the sea. There will also be music and other fun activities.

The Skinningrove Bonfire Committee has won an unrivalled reputation across the North-East during the past 20 years for organising some of the most imaginative bonfires and displays in the region.

Previous bonfires have been made on the themes of Dracula, the circus and the ancient legend of the Merman of Skinningrove.

Every year, artists work with the children, including former Teesside man Richard Baker who travels from Devon to take part. The committee raised about £6,000 from fundraising activities, councils, the lottery and local companies for the event. The lobster is not as high as previous bonfires but is about 15 yards long.