THE bonfire night party in Darlington has taken on a intergalactic theme this year.

The fireworks spectacular at South Park on Saturday; Century 2001 - A Space Oddity, will include fun and music with the event sponsors Century FM, organised by Darlington Borough Council.

The radio station's breakfast show host Paul "Goffy" Goff will be live for his bonfire roadshow from 6pm. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm, with a Guy made by youngsters attending Camp Dolphin during their half term break.

A fireworks display will start at 7.30pm. There will be children's fairground rides and a wide range of food and drink, with the event coming to a close with music from Century FM from 8pm to 8.30pm.

There will also be a collection on the night in aid of the South Park Restoration Fund.

To tie in with the theme of the event, a space man character has been giving talks to primary school pupils across the town in the run-up to bonfire night, stressing the dangers of fireworks.

For more information about the event, call the hotline on (01325) 388410. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Pet owners are advised to keep their animals indoors on bonfire night, making sure all windows and doors are shut.

Televisions and radios could be turned up to drown out the explosions and use favourite toys and treats to reassure frightened animals.

Anyone organising a bonfire event is urged to check before lighting it that no hedgehogs are hiding among the rubbish.