POLICE and fire services in Durham are once again joining forces to stage a bonfire and fireworks spectacular.

Both services have advised the public against organising private events and instead urge people to go to the joint display, in the grounds of force headquarters at Aykley Heads, Durham.

Now in its 27th year, the bonfire and fireworks display is acknowledged to be among the biggest and best in the North-East, with up to 7,000 people expected to attend.

This year's display takes place on Monday, when there will be £3,500 worth of fireworks in a 20-minute pyrotechnic show, from 7pm.

Last year a 30ft-high Guy, nicknamed the "Framwellgate Giant", made from 500 wooden pallets and 50 cable drums, went up in flames. A similar quantity of material is being gathered by Durham County Council's maintenance department to form into the shape of a castle for this year's themed bonfire.

Once the cost of staging the event has been met, all proceeds will go to local charities, which have benefited by more than £50,000 over the years.

Chief fire officer George Hedges said: "Fireworks and explosives are potentially dangerous and the brigade would urge parents to take their children to organised displays, because such events are well supervised and have the correct safety procedures in place."

Tickets are £1.50 for adults and 50p for children, and can be bought on the night, or in advance, from all the county's main police stations, or from the reception desk at Aykley Heads