The organisers of a popular annual fireworks display have threatened to stop the event in protest at the growing number of entrance-fee dodgers.

The Bonfire Night Fireworks Display at Grove Recreation Ground is one of the village's best-loved traditions. But the future of the event is in doubt, following concerns over the number of villagers entering the display on Friday without paying.

The event, which is organised by members of Grove Rugby Football Club, is strictly non profit-making. Entrance fees - at 2.50 per adult and 1.50 for children - have remained unchanged for seven years, and barely cover the cost of staging the display. The cost this year was 1,400. But the club has grown exasperated that people crept through gaps in the perimeter fence and were abusive and even aggressive when challenged.

Club chairman Roger Williams said: "We long ago gave up the idea of this being a profit-making exercise and are happy to break even. But we are very disappointed at the attitude of a large, and growing, minority of the public who go to great lengths to avoid paying what we consider to be a reasonable entrance fee."