'Bonfire' is virtually a success

Concerns over the cost of red tape prompted the virtual bonfire idea

Devon townspeople have enjoyed what is believed to be the first "virtual" bonfire night.

Despite the cold and no prospect of a fire to warm them, 1,400 Ilfracombe people turned out to see a projection of a fire.

But the spectacular fireworks were real, all 2,500 of them.

The bizarre bonfire, on a 22ft by 15ft screen, was created by the local rugby club because of the red tape involved in staging a real blaze.

It is so cold we could have done with some real flames Jane Perrin

No-one had banned a real bonfire, but it would have required dealing with an "insane" amount of paperwork, said club president Paul Crabb.

The concerns over the cost of meeting health and safety regulations come after an incident four years ago at a nearby football club when left-over fireworks were thrown onto a bonfire.

Club secretary Jane Perrin said: "It is so cold we could have done with some real flames, but at least it looks warming.

"Even the sound of the flames came over the PA system. It has all worked beautifully."