SO many people turned up for the Fern bonfire organised by Forest Lions at Speech House that cars had to be turned away when no more could be fitted in the parking areas.

Those who made it onto the packed field saw arguably the best fireworks display the Forest has ever hosted.

"I am really, really sorry we could not get more in – it was impossible, and I can't apologise enough," said Lions spokesman Alan Townley.

"We had 4,000 adults and we just couldn't count the numbers of children. The firework display I would say is the best we have had so far. As a result we've raised thousands of pounds for local charities."

He said the organisers wanted particularly the police, who had made sure everything ran smoothly, the Speech House management for the use of the field and "everybody who helped in any way."