THIS was the scene at a recreation ground in a Kent village after arsonists lit the Guy Fawkes’ bonfire early.

As the huge fire continued to burn in Shadoxhurst, near Ashford, organisers vowed the event would go ahead as planned on Saturday.

Parish council chairman Bill Hollands said: “If people bring in their pallets as promised, it will be just as big as it was supposed to be. People can bring their burnable stuff to the field on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.”

Photographer Nick Green, who lives in Hornash Lane near the bonfire site, was on hand to capture the fierce blaze on camera.

He said: “It’s a great shame because the bonfire was already very big. There were a lot of pallets there this year.”

On Saturday, gates will open at 6.30pm. The bonfire will be lit at 7pm, and the fireworks display, provided by Chris Dudman, begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.