A CASTLE built from 500 wooden pallets will form the basis of a bonfire organised by Durham police and fire service.

Now in its 28th year, the bonfire and fireworks display will be staged at police headquarters in Aykley Heads, Durham, by Durham Police and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue.

The organisers have stressed that the event - one of the biggest and most popular in the region - will be unaffected by the firefighters' industrial dispute.

Nearly 10,000 people attended last year's bonfire and organisers are hoping for the same number of people on Tuesday. As last year, the bonfire will be in the shape of a castle, built by maintenance staff from County Hall in Durham, from 500 wooden pallets and 50 cable drums.

Admission is from 6pm with the bonfire lit an hour later. At 7.30pm, £3,000 worth of fireworks will be set off.

Tickets are £1.50 for adults and 50p for children and under-fives get in free.

People should park at County Hall or Durham Light Infantry Museum.

The Durham County Council branch of Unison has donated a substantial amount towards the event and once the costs of staging have been met, the proceeds will go to local charities, which have benefited by nearly £60,000 over the years.

Tickets can be bought on the night or beforehand from all Durham's main police stations and the main reception at Aykley Heads.