FAMILIES in Marlborough are being urged to stop being damp squibs when it comes to contributing towards the cost of staging the annual fireworks display and bonfire on The Common.

The Round Table, which has run the traditional Guy Fawkes bonfire and firework display for more than 20 years, says this year's could be the last unless those who turn up to watch are more generous.

This year the Round Table has spent more than £1,000 on fireworks and the event will begin at 6.30pm with the lighting of the bonfire.

Round table member Guy Singleton said that although hundreds of people turned up to watch it each year, the Round Table was left out of pocket. "Because the event is held on common land the organisers are unable to charge for admission," he said.

"We ask for donations but sadly in the past people have not been very generous.

"If families could give a donation of £2 per person or £5 per family we would more than break even.

"We would not mind carrying on with the event in the future if it paid for itself but unless we get more donations we will not be able to."

Mr Singleton said this year's event was only made possible by a £500 donation from Marlborough Town Council.