A giant wicker man went up in flames as the spectacular finale to the annual South Park fireworks display in Oxford.

The 28ft structure burned as 15,000 packed into the park for the Oxford Round Table event, with organisers hoping to boost charity coffers by £25,000.

And, for the first time in its 42-year history, a streaker, raced in front of the blazing bonfire, sparking cheers from the crowds.

The Round Table said the event was a huge success and the wicker man, designed and made by Dan Barton, kept revellers lingering in the park despite the rain.

Hundreds of people watched the display from outside the park, avoiding paying an entrance fee.

The night’s centrepiece was constructed in 10 days last year and originally auctioned off to raise money for Southmoor Pre School. But the bidder, who gave £4,000 for the wicker man, returned it in the hope it could be auctioned off a second time to raise more money.

Mr Barton, of Southmoor, who renovates historic buildings for a living, said: “Southmoor Pre-School had planned a big fundraiser event to raise money for an extension, but it was cancelled because of flooding. I made him to try and help the pre school.”

Round Table chairman Jason Priest expected profits of up to £25,000, which will be distributed to local charities by Round Table members over the coming year.

He said: “The crowds were amazing and the atmosphere was electric, but I think the biggest cheer of the evening was for the streaker we had. I think the wicker man held people in the park for longer.

“Normally they go after the fireworks, but it made the atmosphere much more lively. We have spoken with Dan and we are already in discussion about one for next year. I’m not sure how we can better this though, but I think we have set a precedent now.”

Jacob Soper, five, of Iffley, watched the rockets light up the sky with his mother, Glynis Soper. He said: “I really liked the big man and I liked all the colours of the fireworks.”