A FIREWORKS event which has raised thousands of pounds for charity will be held for the final time this November due to skyrocketing costs.

Rotary Club volunteers in Innerleithen have staged a bonfire and display for more than 30 years.

In June chairman Robin Tatler made a plea for sponsors to come forward to save the event.

“But the Innerleithen fireworks display on November 5 will be the club’s last.

“We have tried everything we can to find a sponsor, to go forward and had some generous contributions,” said Mr Tatler, a councillor for Tweeddale East.

“It has just become too expensive for us to stage and put something back into the community.”

Mr Tatler added: “Because it will be the last one, we hope people will dig deep for the suggested donations, as there is not a price to attend.

“It was the early 1990s when we started and Frank Neville, our pyro-technician, has been doing it from the beginning.

“The event has raised a total of more than £50,000, since it started and helped us support mostly local organisations such as the pipe and silver bands, youth football, sports clubs and the primary school.”

In a bid to raise further funds this year, Durty Brewing will host a ‘pie, pint and patter’ evening next Wednesday (October 23) at 7pm. There are 50 tickets at £15 each.

TweedLove founder Neil Dalgleish will be interviewed by Tweed Valley Blogger Stewart Wilson, and is expected to reveal the “inside track” of the huge mountain bike event he started 14 years ago.

Mr Tatler said: “Less some costs, all funds raised will go to the fireworks and we have great raffle prizes from Durty Brewing and TweedLove.

“Tickets are available on the night or at the taproom in advance.

“On November 5 we will go out with a bang and will raise as much as possible for the community.

“In an average year we raise £2,500 and it would be nice to see if we can do that or more.

“We are always keen to hear form local organisations which need funding.

“It is sad but just the nature of these things and someone else might take on the mantle.”

On Tuesday, November 5, the fire will be lit at 7.15pm and the fireworks let off from 7.30pm.