THE skies over Oxford were lit up on Saturday night by an annual Bonfire Night extravanganza which has been a crowd-puller for almost 40 years.

Between 12,000 and 15,000 people flocked to the city's South Park for the display organised by Oxford Round Table, with help from former members who belong to the 41 Club, and local Rotarians.

The aptly-named Big Bang restaurant in Jericho, Oxford, was one of the main sponsors.

The impressive 30-minute display had to be delayed for almost half an hour because of the sheer number of people flocking to enter the park, including four-year-old Elijah Boykoft, from Headington, right.

A funfair and fast food outlets added to the carnival atmosphere, along with a huge bonfire.

Derek Williams, the event's co-ordinator, said: "We had a very big crowd. It's always hard to tell how many come through the gates, but we estimate it was probably up to 15,000.

"All the money will go to local charities, including the Oxfordshire Blind Club and the Dovecote Centre, in Blackbird Leys."

John Morris, 42, had travelled from his home in Preston Road, Abingdon, with wife Ann and their two daughters, Lucy and Tamsin, aged ten and six, to enjoy the spectacle. Mr Morris, an engineer, said: "We've had firework displays in Abingdon over the years, but I think this is one of the best we've ever seen."