Suspect bonfire arson spurred us on, say villagers

Dozens of volunteers are taking part in the rebuild project in the village of Ripley

Volunteers rebuilding a bonfire that was burned down early in a suspected arson attack say the ordeal has bought the village closer together.

Ripley Bonfire, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors to the event in Ripley, Surrey, was under threat after the bonfire which had been made ready for Saturday was torched on Tuesday.

But residents have worked together to ensure the fundraising event goes ahead as planned, adding that the event is expected to raise more money following the incident.

Philip Kite, who has lived in the village since 1989, said: "Wanting to look on the bright side, while it's been a lot of extra work of the last couple of days, we might end up with a bigger and better event."

Surrey Fire & Rescue Service said it received a report of arson near a bonfire site in High Street at about 01:20 BST on Tuesday.

The bonfire was burned down early by suspected arsonists

Organisers of the bonfire said they had been overwhelmed by the response of the community, with dozens of people getting involved in the rebuild.

The original bonfire took 40 people a total of five weeks to construct, but villagers have a matter of days left to rebuild it – though this has done little to deter them.

Mr Kite said: "The village being what it is, we'll make sure we get some positives from it.

"I wouldn't want to live anywhere else; it's a genuine community."

Resident James King told BBC Radio Surrey that he was "terribly upset" about what had happened and took the day off work to help out.

"It's lovely to see old and young alike. The bonfire is a huge part of our community so we're glad to be part of rebuilding it," he said.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the Ripley Over 60s Club and other local organisations.