ORGANISERS of one of Blackburn's biggest charity bonfires have hit out at pranksters who set up a spoof Facebook page giving false information about the event.

Blackburn Round Table, Blackburn Rotary Club and Blackburn Lions, who run the annual family event at Blackburn’s Witton Park claim the spoof site is “creating chaos”.

The Blackburn with Darwen bonfire raised around £16,000 charities last year and organisers are hoping to raise a similar amount at this year’s event on Saturday, November 7.

One of their main ways of publicising it is the official ‘Blackburn with Darwen Bonfire, Witton Park’ Facebook page which gives out information on the event.

However, a bogus account has appeared, looking very similar to the official one, but carrying incorrect information.

Frank Barratt, of Blackburn Round Table, said: “Apparently there are people out there with twisted minds who find it funny to create false, spoof event pages giving out incorrect information and generally creating chaos.

“One such page has been reported to us and hopefully will be closed down shortly.

“We’re hoping people share the official page and event with their Facebook friends to make this year’s bonfire event bigger and better than ever and help even more local charities.”

Mr Barratt said a police officer drew his attention to the bogus site and advised him to ask people to ignore it.

Mr Barratt added: “We would ask people to ignore this Facebook page it is not the official Blackburn Bonfire page.

“The official event page is called ‘Blackburn with Darwen Bonfire, Witton Park’.

“This is the only official event page with all the latest correct updates added.”

This year’s Witton Park bonfire will take place on Saturday, November 7 from 5pm to 10pm.

As well as the bonfire and spectacular fireworks display, the event will include live music from local artists and various food stalls.

A family ticket costs £5 for two adults and up to four children.

Adult tickets are £2, children £1, while parking is £2 per car.