EXPLOSIONS of colour lit up the skies of York as fireworks displays took place across the city.

At Heslington Church, members of the local community joined together to celebrate Guy Fawkes' Night early.

John Eckersley, whose wife, Nancy, is Vicar of Heslington, said the event on Saturday passed without incident and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

He said: "It is always a happy occasion, always a pretty hectic evening and lots of people are always involved.

"Over 1,000 turned up to enjoy the celebrations. Firstly the bonfire was lit, then the Heslington Scout Group put on a firework display and there were also food and refreshment stalls, where a number of our congregation were working behind the scenes."

Mr Eckersley said the goodwill of the University of York made the evening possible.

In Bishopthorpe, a family-run fireworks display at the Marcia Inn attracted a crowd of 1,500.

Jenny Harris, whose son, Adam, is landlord, said the event was "absolutely fantastic."

She said: "We have had so many compliments about it. This is our fourth year of doing it now.

"The garden is lovely anyway, the food is fantastic and it's organised in a military fashion."

Mrs Harris said her husband, Albert, her other son, Alistair, and the pub chef, Amanda Clarke, all chipped in to make the night a success.

Updated: 10:45 Monday, November 03, 2003