Christmas came early recently for Whitchurch town mayor, and staunch supporter of Midlands Air Ambulance, Councillor Tony Neville this week.

The minis and juniors section of Whitchurch Rugby Club were proud to present Cllr Neville with a donation from the recent Halloween spectacular Band, Bangers and Flash for his chosen charity before their game against Wrexham.

Cllr Neville was delighted to attend the match and thanked Sam Wynn, who coaches the under-nines at the Edgeley Road club for their constant support.

Band, Bangers and Flash heralded the resurrection of the rugby club’s fireworks night, which were hosted at the club and organised by the Lions for many years.

The community have asked for the fireworks to return and they came back with the proverbial bang, leaving organisers Tom Williams, Fiona Wynn and Maria Robinson Lea overjoyed at the support the event received.

Maria Said: “More than 1,500 people attended and many people getting into the Halloween spirit in amazing fancy dress! The fireworks by local company Bangers and Flash were out of this world and seemed to go on forever.

“No-one wanted to go home and people would have danced into the early hours given half the chance. We’re just delighted to be able to raise so much money for Cllr Neville’s chosen charity.”

The rugby club is happy to announce that Band, Bangers and Flash will be back next year, on October 27, with new attractions, a ‘Tunnel of Terror’ and even more fancy dress.