A FUNDRAISING Bonfire Night event is moving to a racecourse in a bid to secure more money for good causes.

Thirsk Rotary Club is planning to double the length of its annual fireworks display to 20 minutes, alongside an evening of family entertainment at Thirsk Racecourse on Saturday, November 1.

It is hoped the event will include live music, children's entertainers, a range of stalls and food outlets.

Organisers said they had decided to move the event from the Millgate car park to the Station Road track as it meant they wanted to create "an evening people would look forward to from one year to another".

The club, which has 43 members, said the event cost several thousand pounds to stage and the venue would mean they could attract more people with a greater range of entertainment, charge for entry and provide cover in the grandstands in the event of wet weather.

Malcolm Sollitt, of Thirsk Rotary, said the venue change would ensure the event would not be cancelled, as had happened in 2011 due to waterlogging.

He added a £3,000 budget had been set aside for fireworks and the club would need about 1,000 people to attend the event to break even.

He said: "There is nothing in Thirsk from July to the end of the year where all the residents of Thirsk and its surrounding area can get together and enjoy themselves.

"We are aiming to make it more of an entertainments event than just a fireworks display.

"In previous years we have had to rely on the generosity of those attending with collections, but we are hoping to increase the amount we raise."

The club uses funds raised to support causes ranging from achievement awards for pupils at all the schools in the area and the work of the Community Care Association to the East Thirsk Community Christmas dinner.

The club is looking for outside catering firms, or individuals, interested in taking a stall or supplying food, children's entertainment or drinks to call 01845-578392 or email malcolmsollitt@btinternet.com

Tickets, which will cost £10 for families, £5 for adults and £3 for children, will go on sale in the coming months.