A MAJOR firework display in Winchester sold out for the third year running with more than 20,000 people in attendance.

The 59th annual Winchester Round Table bonfire and fireworks event also raised more than £65,000, which will now go towards charities in the local area.

Bucket collections on site raised an additional £4,100 to go towards The Joe Glover Trust and Action Hampshire, who will install a defibrillator on Winchester High Street with the money.

Steve Cross, bonfire chairman, said: “It’s an honour to bring together the local community and to raise so much money that goes straight back into helping good causes and charities exclusively in the Winchester area.

“Over 200 volunteers made this event a success and Winchester Round Table is grateful to everyone who contributed to and supported the event.

“Seeing over 20,000 faces lit up but the bonfire and watching one of the most popular displays in Southern England ignites our community spirit and we can’t wait to use the profits to make a difference where it really matters.”

The Winchester Round Table bonfire and fireworks event will return next year for the 60th time, and be held on Saturday, November 3.