THE sky over Weymouth exploded with colour as the town came alive for Bonfire Night.

Thousands of people lined the seafront and gathered on the beach to watch the spectacular display over the bay, while the bonfire crackled on the sand.

On top of the flames sat two guys, which had been made made by the winners of the children’s Guy Fawkes Competition, which took place at the Pavilion.

The winning guy – as judged by Weymouth and Portland mayor Anne Kenwood – was made by Jerry Thomson, 10 and brother Thomas, six, both pupils at St Nicholas and St Laurence Primary School.

The brothers, of Windsor Road, Weymouth, researched the famous gunpowder plotter on the internet, to make sure their entry was authentic, complete with pilgrim hat and buckled shoes.

Jerry said: “We typed in Guy Fawkes on the internet to try and make it as good as possible.

“We got some old pyjama bottoms and stuffed them with newspaper and used an old Hallowe’en witches hat.”

Jerry and Thomas had the honour of pressing the button to light the beach bonfire.

“I was very excited to light the bonfire because we didn’t expect it,” said Jerry.

Second place in the guy competition was William Coles, eight, and brother Oliver, five, pupils at St Andrew’s Primary School, who made a guy resembling their dad.

William and Oliver, of Fern Square, Chickerell, used their dad’s old jeans and shirt and topped it off with one of his ties.

After judging the competition, Councillor Kenwood said: “I thought the entries were very good and all very different.

“I thought the winning guy was very authentic and that was why they won.

“The guy in second place was very lifelike.”

The wind and rain died down just in time for the lighting of the bonfire and the flames reached high into the air.

With the bonfire still burning, the fireworks were launched from a floating pontoon and fired over Weymouth’s Bay to the gasps and cheers from the crowds.

All eyes were skywards for the extravaganza, the windows of seafront guesthouses were filled with expectant faces and children sat on top of shoulders to get the best view possible.

The fun fair in the Pavilion forecourt kept thrill seekers and children alike amused before and after the evening’s main events Pearl Wilding, of Ilchester Road, Weymouth, said: “We come every year and it’s great.”

Terry Birch, of Pulham, Dorchester, said: “Weymouth looks lovely.”

Caleb Morris, nine, a pupil at Southill Primary School, said the bonfire was his favourite part of the night.

He added: “The bonfire is fantastic. Weymouth has a good atmosphere.”