Annual Donnington bonfire event hit by crisis

One of Shropshire's largest annual bonfires is under threat because organisers do not have enough pallets to burn at the event, they said today.

Doubts are surrounding the future of the Donnington Bonfire, which would be celebrating its 30th anniversary. The bonfire on Broad Oaks playing fields in Donnington, Telford, is made up of thousands of pallets.

But today Alf Mitchell, who organises the event with his wife Jennifer, said he was "not even close" to the number he needs for the event, which is pencilled in for November 13.

The free event pulls in more than 10,000 revellers who flock to the field for the bonfire and a fireworks display.

Mr Mitchell said: "I'm very concerned about it. We have been everywhere to get pallets and I'm having no luck.

"It is a great community event and we want to see it continue but we can't just burn anything, we need clean wood or pallets."

Anyone who can help can contact Mr Mitchell on 07976 717042.