THE Coalway Crow is no more – but its last moments were crowned in a glorious blaze that dispelled the chills of a frosty night.

And much to the delight of the Coalway Recreation Committee, a crowd of at least a thousand local people turned out to watch the huge wooden structure go up in flames as part of a new winter spectacle – Coalway Frost.

"I was really thrilled with that," said Kevin Ball, chair of the committee. "It shows a lot of people voted with their feet and displayed the real need for recreation facilities and what we are all about. It was a real shot in the arm for us."

Lakers School students had helped to create the giant bird with the assistance of Forest fire sculptor Phil Bews, and a candlelight procession to the ceremony by local primary school children added to the carnival atmosphere.

Mr Ball said everybody enjoyed the whole event, encouraging him and his committee to press ahead with further improvements and additions to the village hall and recreation facilities.

"It was lovely to see the hall in full use. But one big disappointment to me was that we cannot offer disabled people access to the hall, which highlights one of the directions we will move in future. In fact I talked to a friend who brought his disabled daughter along and I promised her that we will make disabled access a priority. It is a promise I intend to deliver on."

The crowds also enjoyed music by Djabot African drummers and a barbecue provided by First Clearwell and Sling Scouts.

All the proceeds go into a fund for the hall and recreation facilities.