THE organisers of a new-look fundraising Bonfire Night event are urging residents from a wide area to show their support for a hospice charity .

Thirsk Rotary Club, which is set to double the length of its annual fireworks display, alongside an evening of family entertainment at Thirsk Racecourse on Saturday, November 1, said it will donate proceeds from the event to Herriot Hospice Homecare.

The event will include performances by Butterfly Dance Studio, Thirsk-based band Citizen Smith and Tim McKay, children's entertainers, a small number of fairground rides, a range of stalls and food outlets.

Organisers announced earlier this year that the event would move 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".

They said the relocation would also enable them to raise more money for charities, as they had previously been reliant on bucket collections on the night.

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 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."

The hospice charity, which operates across Hambleton and Richmondshire, aims to help meet the needs of patients and carers affected by any life-limiting illness by providing care in an individual's home.

It works in partnership with local hospitals, doctors, nurses and social services and is a part of the Community Palliative Care Team.

It says a £1 donation provides two miles of travel to a patient's home, while a £10 donation gives respite visit of up to three hours.

Tickets, which will cost £10 for families, £5 for adults and £3 for children, will be available on the gate, or for £8 for families, £4 for adults and £2 for children from Thirsk Tourist Information.