Thousands gathered to watch a display of colourful costumes and flaming torches at a bonfire procession.

The Burgess Hill Bonfire Society's annual celebrations lit up the town's streets on Saturday night.

Bonfire societies from across Sussex dressed up in a variety of costumes for the procession through the town centre.

The march culminated in a bonfire and firework display at Royal George Fairfield Recreation Ground.

Three-and-a-half thousand hand-made torches, enough to stretch for 1.5 miles if laid end to end, were burnt on the night.

Members of the Burgess Hill Bonfire Society dressed up as Aztec Indians for the march, while the Waterloo Bonfire Society members appeared as Ghengis Khan, Crowborough Bonfire Society had a theme of Spanish ladies and gentlemen and members of both Maresfield and Littlehampton bonfire societies marched as Red Indians.

There was also music from a selection of home-grown bands, including Burgess Hill Marching Youth Band and Newhaven Youth Marching Band.

Jo Blakeway, 27, from Crowborough, brought along her daughters Amber, four, and Caitlin, five. She said: "It was brilliant. This is the second time we have been and the atmosphere was really friendly. We really enjoyed it. It's all about getting together with people for the night and having a laugh."

Proceeds of a street collection went to Hope In The Valley riding for the disabled, Bluebird Community Transport, The Sick Children's Trust and Sign Posts.