There will be no Blueharts Hockey Club Bonfire Night and fireworks display in Hitchin this year, organisers have confirmed.

Blueharts HC posted the news in a statement on the club’s website.

The club’s statement read: “Blueharts Bonfire Night will sadly not be taking place this year.

“The Guy Fawkes Night celebrations started over 50 years ago and has grown to become a hugely popular event within the town and we appreciate that locals will miss the display not taking place.

“We have been fortunate to obtain planning permission which will allow both the hockey and cricket club to develop and secure sport at Lucas Lane for the future.

“Many of the organisers and volunteers are now involved in the planning of the new astroturf pitch and clubhouse and are unfortunately unable to commit further time towards Bonfire Night.

“We would like to thank the people of Hitchin for supporting us over the years and hope they are able to attend one of the other public displays in our local area.

“We would kindly ask that wood is therefore not left for the bonfire as the entrance to the car park will be locked.”

• For more on the club, visit http://blueharts.clubbuzz.co.uk/