A WICKED witch is set to be burnt at the stake during a combined celebration of Halloween and Bonfire Night in Farnworth.

The annual Farnworth Cricket Club bonfire event has become famous over the past few years with the club's volunteer groundsman, Jack Greasley, chosing to burn a variety of effigies on top of the bonfire — often deciding on characters who have been perceived to have become unpopular in society.

In previous years, Mr Greasley, who has held the position at the club in Lavender Road, Farnworth, for 11 years, decided to burn a figure of an MP on the bonfire, following the public outcry after the expenses scandal.

On another occasion it was a "fat cat" energy boss who got the special treatment, with Mr Greasley again chosing to echo public opinion with his bonfire-building.

Perhaps the most popular effigy to be burned on the bonfire was a recreation of the Italian opera singer featured in the Go Compare comparison site adverts, the scourge of many television viewers.

This year he said he has decided to be more traditional and burn a witch on the fire �— a decision made easier because the event will be held tomorrow on Halloween.

He said: "I couldn't actually think of who else to burn this year. I was going to go for the MPs again, but I might wait until after the election next year to see if they make it back to the top of the bonfire.

"With the event falling on Halloween itself I thought it would be appropriate to go with the classic witch, although I have made some alterations, putting hinges on her elbows so her arms blow in the wind."

Mr Greasley has constructed the display with the help of community payback workers, tasked with giving back to the community following criminal convictions.

He said: "The lads working with me have only committed minor offences and they have been a big help making the thing �— with me overseeing of course.

"The extravaganza will kick off at the club at about 6pm when the gates open and the bonfire will be lit between 7pm and 7.30pm.

The fireworks display will follow at 8pm.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy fairground rides and stalls at the event.