Gypsy effigy society pulls out

Villagers chose the effigies after gypsies were evicted from the area

The bonfire society which burned an effigy of a caravan with Gypsies painted on it has announced it will not be taking part in any more events this year.

Firle Bonfire Society was accused of being racist after torching the tableau at its celebrations.

Now the society has said its members will not be joining in at other bonfire events in the Sussex bonfire calendar after it received threats.

The society has apologised unreservedly for burning the gypsy effigy saying it was not a racist comment.

'Curtail activities'

On Tuesday, Richard Gravett, chairman of Firle Bonfire Society, said: "We appreciate the offence it has caused to an awful lot of people, especially people in the travelling community.

"In light of what has gone on the last few days the bonfire society with the help of the police has made a decision, taking into account the village where we live, that the bonfire society of Firle will curtail any activities with the Sussex bonfire events for the rest of the year."

Police patrols in the village of Firle have also been stepped up because of the uproar caused by the display.

Normally the society would parade along with other societies in events up to the end of November including the biggest procession in Lewes on Wednesday night.

The society has shut down its website showing pictures of the burning effigy after racist messages started to appear.

A police investigation is also underway to establish whether the bonfire society breached race hate legislation.