Heptonstall residents vow bonfire will go ahead as planned after wood was set on fire this morning

Firefighters from Todmorden and Mytholmroyd were called to Heptonstall Bowling Club at around 2.40am, where the wood for tonight’s bonfire was ablaze.

Fire crews had to monitor the blaze until it burnt out and the scene was cleared at around 4am

Watch commander Carl Fielden said: “It’s really unfortunate that people have put all that effort into it for somebody to do that.”

But it’s hoped the planned bonfire will still go ahead tonight.

A statement read: “The premature lighting of our bonfire last night will not dampen our spirits, I am arranging for further wood to be delivered today. I would like to ask anyone with anything to burn to put it on the left of the plot, and start a separate pile (please do not throw it on the plot).

“We will not be beaten. We have all worked far too hard for some low life to ruin it.

“This is the club’s biggest night of the year, we really need your help. So if anyone can help with spare wood that would be great and if everyone can share the post to cast the net wider for wood donations.”