COLCHESTER’S resident Guy Fawkes went up in flames, as King Coel’s Kittens’ fireworks lit up Castle Park.

Judy and Bernard Alden paraded the guy, stuffed with Daily Gazettes, from the Banstand to a bonfire in Lower Castle Park.

Thousands of spectators watched him go up in flames before a Disney-themed fireworks display, compered by magician Michael J Fitch.

This year, Mrs Alden, 72, got a helping hand with the guy from her grandchildren Heidi Laquis Alden, five, and Toby Laquis Alden, nine.

It took a week and a half to make. The tradition began as Judy and King Coel’s Kittens decided it was safer to have one big bonfire that everybody can watch.

Charities that have benefited from the annual event inlcude St Helena Hospice and local scout groups.

Mrs Alden, who has been making guy for 44 years, said: “I enjoy making it every year because it raises money for our group. It all goes to local causes in Colchester.

“This year for the first time the grandchildren helped, because we think that as we are getting older it is important for it to be passed on so that they know how to make him.”

King Coel’s Kittens has been going since 1962, and this year marked 45 years of the popular fireworks display.