HELENSBURGH’S annual fireworks display went off with a bang once again – after a vehicle removal company stepped in and saved the event.

The long-standing event organised by the Helensburgh Round Table, came across a problem when organisers were setting up the bonfire ahead of Saturday night's event which saw around 2,000 people turn out.

Andrews Garage Recovery from Dumbarton became the heroes of the night when they stepped in to move a car which was parked and preventing the bonfire from going ahead.

Jonathan Stanton, of Helensburgh Round Table said: “The owners were out of the country so without them it couldn’t have been done. They saved the event!”

Members of the community and those who came from further afield were not deterred by the cold weather and turned out to see around 800 fireworks take to the sky in the last minute of the display – the biggest fireworks finale ever seen in the town.

As well as the fireworks, people huddled round the bonfire for a heat before heading off to explore and sample the goods on offer at the stalls.

Stall-holders included PJ’s Kitchen, Helensburgh Netball Club, Remo’s ice cream, The Ginger Breadman, Slavin’s Toys and the Round Table.

The Round Table stall sold flashing novelty toys and all the money collected at the stall and in the donation buckets goes towards next years event.

Many people took to social media following the event to say how much they enjoyed the night and organisers were delighted to see so many people have a good time.

Jonathan continued: “We estimate there was over 2,000 people both in the main arena around the bonfire and along the length of West Clyde Street. It’s good to know thousands of people come out to see our long-standing community event even though it’s a chilly November night.

“The event went very well with the rain staying away for the display. The bonfire was a roaring success and social media tells us the most spectacular fireworks yet were loved by the local Helensburgh community.”

One stall holder didn’t manage to make it along on the night after their vehicle broke down.

Jonathan said: “It was unfortunate the Hot Fresh Doughnut company couldn’t make it due to their vehicle breaking down, but all our other stalls reported a successful night, especially the Round Table novelties.

“Massive thank you to local businesses for their help. We couldn’t have done it without Mather Hire, Ridings Sawmills in Cardross, Thompson Quarries for their dump trucks, Babcock at Faslane who supply our fencing and the heroes of the evening, Andrews Garages.”

Although the community turned out in force to support the event, due to the nature of the event and relying on volunteers, organisers were unable to make it around everyone to collect donations and made a small loss on the running costs.

They have set up a JustGiving page with the aim of raising £1,000 to help ensure the event continues next year.

Already almost £500 has been pledged online – to donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helensburghfireworks2017