AFTER an absence of more than 40 years, Northchapel bonfire and fireworks returned with a bang.

The last time the event was celebrated on the village green was around 1978, when the youth club ran the event.

The organising committee, led by Kate Gambles, included Jeremy Gambles, Ed Warren, Laura Green, Ruth Blanco, Agata Gumbrell and the Reverend Kate Bailey.

The recipients of money raised were Northchapel School PTA, St Michael’s Church and the soon to be built Northchapel Multi Use Games Area. Aurora Fireworks provided and organised the firework display, which lasted for 20 minutes. Three guys were made and supplied by children in the village.

The torchlight parade started the event with 70 torches and more than 200 people in the parade itself.

It snaked its way from St Michael’s Church to the bonfire, led by Ed and Reverend Kate. A free torch was given to each household that wanted one and if they wanted more they made a donation. There were also free sparklers for the children.

A busy group of school parents, church wardens and villagers worked tirelessly serving hot chocolate, boozy hot chocolate, mulled wine and toffee apples, which were made by Jackie Moss and Stephanie Hipkiss.

Food was supplied by Kevin Dicker of the Bacon Butty Van.

The 350-400 strong crowd spread around the green and surrounding area to watch the firework display.

Ed Warren said: "We would like to thank all the marshalls, helpers, bonfire builders, torch bearers, bonfire lighters and tidy uppers. So many we can’t name them all but we appreciate each and every one.

"We also want to say thank you to our resident farmers, the Moss Family, for the use of their field for the fireworks.

"Most of all we thank our villagers, their families and friends for getting into the spirit of the occasion and making it such a great event with their enthusiasm and generosity.

"I am a very proud villager right now as we all should be."