Organisers estimated that 9,000 people took to the streets marching in the parade of bonfire societies or lining the streets to watch.

But the evening happened without the event's pivitol bonfire captain Kim Lucas, who died in the early hours of the morning in the Princess Royal Hospital.

Kim's wife and two sons carried on as best they could and saw the event through in honour of their father.

Kim, 51, of Wilmington Way, Lindfield, had been captain for 10 years and a member of Lindfield Bonfire Society for at least 30.

He and his sons, Darren and Phil, led the organisation of the fireworks and bonfire on the night and were key helpers of the many events through the year that raise the thousands of pounds needed to put the event on.

Society members said were 'davastated' by Kim's death at 12.45am on November 5 from multiple organ failure caused by sceptocaemia after a second hip operation he had undergone.

In a tribute the society said: "His dedication, hard work and good humour were an inspiration to all members of our society and he will be greatly missed.

"A qualified pyrotechnician, his firework and bonfire skills were invaluable but he has passed all these skills on to his sons Darren and Phil who we know will honour his memory by carrying on this tradition.

"Kim will of course be greatly missed by them and wife Sue and family, all members of not only the Lindfield Bonfire Society but also the Sussex Bonfire community in general."

Society chairman Colin Vinall said record crowds turned out for the annual event with numbers estimated at around 9,000.

Read the full story in the Mid Sussex Times

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