FIREWORK maestro Frank Neville hung up his matches after Innerleithen Rotary Club’s last ever Guy Fawkes Night extravaganza.

For more than 30 years the 83-year-old has been letting off the club’s pyrotechnics at the annual show, commemorating the 1605 Gunpowder Plot on November 5.

On Tuesday night, with his ‘understudy’ Colin Turnbull, 57; Mr Neville, wore his red flame retardant overalls for the final time as he fired up an impressive 20-minute display.  

The pair kept the spectators guessing with short pauses between the huge explosions of single rockets and lower down spinning Catherine wheel-style fireworks.

In these intervals, the crowd started whistling and clapping to show their appreciation.

If the final applause had not been from people standing in a field it would qualify for a ‘standing ovation’.

Mr Neville said: “Glendinning Groundworks, of Walkerburn, have gone all out clearing their yard and created a great fire this year.

“It is time for me to stop. I have been doing this for more than 30 years.”

Earlier this year Innerleithen Rotary Club member, Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler revealed that the spiralling cost of fireworks was impacting on the club’s ability to fundraise from the event and called for a major sponsor.

Across its 30 years the event has raised more than £50,000 for charity and Mr Tatler called for further sponsorship, such as the support provided by Rathburn Chemicals and Durty Brewing.

Mr Tatler, collecting charity donations with his team of volunteers at the exit gate, said: “They have pulled out all the stops tonight for an amazing show.

“People have been leaving the field saying we cannot let this stop.

“We have raised well in excess of £3,000.”