Selby has not forgotten November 5, town councillors said today (Tuesday)- and they have bought more than a tonne of fireworks to prove it.

On the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, Selby is hoping to emulate its northern neighbour - York, the birthplace of Guy Fawkes - with an enormous pyrotechnic display.

Town councillor Steve Shaw-Wright, pictured right, said: "To ensure this special celebration goes with a bang, our firing team will be letting off over a tonne of fireworks in two twenty-minute displays, combined with probably the biggest bonfire in the district."

The event will start on the Scott Road field at 6pm, with mayor John Chambers and MP John Grogan, pictured left, lighting the bonfire at 6.30pm.

Coun Shaw-Wright said: "The town council does not charge an admission fee but asks all visitors to give generously to the collectors who will be circulating with buckets.

This year's proceeds will be shared between the Friends of Selby War

Memorial Hospital and the Fire and Rescue Service Cadets."

Updated: 12:46 Tuesday, October 25, 2005