A SPECTACULAR Bonfire Night event with 1.4 tonnes of fireworks will raise money for good causes.

The Daily Echo is backing this year’s Wimborne Bonfire and Fireworks Evening, which takes place on Saturday, November 3 at St Michael’s Middle School, Colehill.

Billed as the county’s longest fireworks display, it will have the theme The Best of British, with fireworks synchronised to patriotic music.

Gates open at 4.30pm, with the Best Guy competition at 5.30pm, bonfire lit at 6pm and fireworks from 7pm, with attractions open until 9pm.

Profits will go to good causes, including the local community sports hall. And this year the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation will also benefit.

The foundation was set up in memory of a young Royal Marine from Ferndown who lost his life in Afghanistan. His parents Pete and Linda Thornton will be at the event, helping run the supervised “sparkler zone” and highlighting the foundation’s work in helping young people.

Pete Thornton, chairman of the foundation, said: “It is an honour for the JTYAF to be associated with the Wimborne Fireworks and St Michael’s School this year, particularly as several pupils have benefitted from bursaries from the foundation. Events such as this are the lifeblood of our community.

“John personified the Best of British, and this year’s display theme certainly ties in nicely with the foundation’s aims.”

Geoff Beck, a trustee of the foundation and owner of Fiesta Fireworks, designed the display.

He said: “This event has grown into a phenomenal community event in the last nine years, and I am delighted that the school has agreed to help the foundation. “With the support of the Daily Echo and Heart FM, we have now taken the event into the next league with all our guests’ ticket proceeds raising tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes.

“I’m also looking forward to saluting what was an incredible year for this country.”

Attractions include a bar, bouncy castles, family entertainment and music from Heart FM.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children aged five to 16. Under-fives go free, as do serving members of the armed forces.

Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. Family tickets costing £14 are available in advance only.

A new park and ride has been put in place thanks to Wimborne Market, which is allowing use of its car park, and Damory Coaches, which will run shuttle buses from the market to the venue.

More details are at wimbornefireworks .co.uk or at the Wimborne Fireworks Group on Facebook. Tickets can also be bought at the TIC in Wimborne Square.

See our round-up of firework displays happening across Dorset