Staff at a weekly newspaper gave up their Saturday nights to help run a fireworks event on their patch.

Six members of the Hampshire Chronicle team took on the role of steward’s at Winchester’s fireworks event which attracted more than 20,000 people.

The annual event, organised by Winchester Round Table, is one of the city’s largest community events, with all money raised from ticket sales going to help good causes.

Chronicle owner Newsquest pays its staff to do one day of volunteering per year in the communities the newspaper titles serve.

The Hampshire Chronicle team, from left: Kimberley Barber, Megan Stanley, Matt Rooks-Taylor, Andrew Napier, Christopher Atkinson and Adele Bouchard (Image: Kimberley Barber)

Staff who took part were editor Kimberley Barber, digital editor Megan Stanley, reporter Matt Rooks-Taylor, head of news Andrew Napier, reporter Christopher Atkinson and reporter Adele Bouchard.

Their roles included helping members of the public, answering questions, checking tickets, sorting rubbish and directing crowds.

Said Kimberley: “It was a great evening and despite the rain, we had a good time, and I am hoping the rest of the 20,000 people in attendance did too!

“The Round Table put a lot of effort into organising this huge event and we were impressed by the scale of it – and the scale of the bonfire. Thanks to the Round Table for arranging it and letting us join in. We managed to dry off with a pint at the Willow Tree after.”