Rain took the sparkle out of a £10,000 fireworks display - and left Round Table organisers with a £3,000 bill.

Only 2,000 people attended the Oxford charity event on Saturday night, which aims to raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

Last year, good weather guaranteed that South Parks at Headington Hill was packed with families enjoying the bonfire and fireworks.

But downpours this year meant the worst attendance figures in the event's 35-year history.

Oxford Round Table organiser Adrian Palfreyman, 40, said: "The fireworks went off on time and we managed to light the bonfire, but the rain turned the whole evening into a mudbath and took the fun out of it.

"A lot of people stayed away because of the rain and unfortunately we only took £7,000, leaving us £3,000 out of pocket. "We are now hoping some kind-hearted businessmen will step in and help us out financially because our position means we might have to cancel some charity Christmas events.

"We already have a charity event for children scheduled on November 14 which we will have to consider cancelling and we obviously don't want to do that."

Businesses who want to step in to help the Oxford Round Table should call Mr Palfreyman on 01235 538837 (home) or 01865 241848 (work).

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