Littlehampton Bonfire Night collection champs rewarded

Groups and individuals who persuaded spectators to part with the most cash at last month’s superb 60th anniversary Littlehampton Bonfire Night have been presented with their trophies for success in the society’s Collection Challenge competition.

This year’s street collection of about £8,300 was around 10 per cent down on last year’s record total of £9,110, but there was no lack of effort among the army of about 150 volunteer collectors.

The Edwin James Festival Choir received the Frances Harrison Trophy for the highest group total of £750, and was also given £100 to donate to the charity of its choice.

Littlehampton Baptist Church, the 2011 group champions, came second this time, with £715, receiving the Laura May’s Cup and a 350 charity donation, and third-placed Skill Bodge’s £550 collected earned the Henry Shine Memorial Cup and a £25 donation.

Allen Alderton retained the David Jones Memorial Cup for individuals, for his total of £153. Roger Butterworth’s £129 was the second-highest and Paul Howard was third, with £118.

The Dolphin pub won the pub category, with £158.

All the money collected goes to good causes – none is spent on the huge cost of staging the event, which is met by the society’s year-round fund-raising.