Persistent rain and a very muddy recreation ground didn’t deter more than 1,000 people from attending Milland’s annual bonfire and fireworks display on Saturday.

The crowd enjoyed the biggest fireworks display ever seen in the village and the organising team acknowledged the help and safety training provided by Aurora Fireworks of Wisborough Green.

Because of the poor weather, the number of attendees fell short of the record level seen last year.

However, many of those who did attend took the time to praise the organisers for the quality of the firework display, the size of the bonfire and the entry prices – which were deliberately kept low to encourage families to attend.

Before the firework display food and drink was in high demand, including the ever-popular hog roast. A number of village-based groups also used bonfire night as an opportunity to raise funds.

The sports club ran the bar and sold mulled wine, while the village hall team sold home-made soup and hot chocolate as well as organising a raffle.

Hollycombe School sold glow sticks, an array of sweets and home-made cakes. Milland Stores was also open, selling hot dogs and coffee as well as its usual range of products.

Organised by the bonfire and fireworks committee on behalf of the parish council, the event has been a fixture in the Milland calendar for more than 50 years. The organising committee, all volunteers from the village, thanked the many people who helped with organising and running the event. More than 40 volunteers helped on the night as safety marshals, ticket collectors and food servers, or by providing electrical and catering services.

All profits from the event will be distributed to Milland-based charities, voluntary organisations and good causes. In the past these have included the village halls, sports club, Hollycombe School, the community shop and the recreation ground.

The Friends of Beacon Hill School’s annual fireworks night at Hindhead Playing Fields was sold out.

There was also an excellent turnout for Chiddingfold’s bonfire and fireworks event, which featured a procession of torches.