THE escalating cost of insurance is putting a damper on a village's bonfire night celebrations.

And unless a sponsor can be found to help out with cover for the annual fire and pyrotechnic display, the event could fizzle out in future years.

At a meeting of Glusburn Parish Council councillors revealed that the premium for insuring the Glusburn and Cross Hills bonfire and firework display had spiralled almost seven-fold from £216 last year to £1,400 this year.

They suggested the big increase in insurance costs could mean the event goes up in smoke. That means not only would locals be deprived of the traditional community get-together, but many local groups and charities which have received more than £7,500 from the profits over the past five years would feel the pinch.

The bonfire has been held in the village for many years, the past five under the wing of a bonfire committee, and before that by members of the gala committee.

One of the committee members, John Dickinson, said the problem first came to light two months ago when he telephoned Co-operative Insurance Services to renew the premium. He was told the company no longer offered that policy and he was forced to ring round others. All the quotes were in the £1,400 to £1,500 range.

"I spoke to members of the parish council to explain that we did not have that sort of money to cover the insurance costs," Mr Dickinson explained.

"We have been lucky over the past five years that the weather has been fine and more than 1,000 people have come along to enjoy the evening. This has allowed us to make a profit of around £1,200 each time which we have been able to give to local organisations such as the scouts, Meals on Wheels, the school PTA and many others.

"Paying for the additional insurance cover would mean there would be no profit at all for these charities," Mr Dickinson added.

He said that thankfully the parish council had come to the rescue this year and given a generous donation to cover the costs. The council already helps out with the event and without their help, including renting out the park area to the committee, the bonfire and fireworks display would not be able to go ahead.

"We could look at fundraising in the future, but the problem is all of us involved with the bonfire committee, gala and those sort of organisations all have jobs and busy lives. We just simply don't have the time to spare," he said.

Mr Dickinson added that in all the years the gala committee and bonfire committee had organised the event there had never been cause to make an insurance claim. And he said insurance costs would eventually involve all village events where there was an organised fireworks display.

"Sutton, where I live, is fortunate this year because they too are insured by CIS, but organised the cover eight months ago. Next year they will be in the same situation as we are and will also face high premiums."