Battle Bonfire, Saturday

situation.

"The hardest decision was who would be Punch and who Judy.''

It's not the first time Battel Bonfire Boyes has lampooned politicians at the annual bonfire celebrations.

Previous targets for effigies include Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Neil Kinnock.

Matt said: "The topic is decided at the beginning of September with the building starting in the middle of that month.

"We need about six weeks to build it, and a team has spent every weekend, plus a day or two during the week, doing it."

The cost of producing the effigy each year is about 1,000, including building materials and fireworks.

Around 15,000 people are expected to pour into town tomorrow.

Last year the event was largely trouble-free, and police are hoping for the same this weekend.

Inspector Warren Franklin, of rural Rother police, said: "We have an operation running in conjunction with the Battel Bonfire Boyes and Rother District Council.

"It's the society's event and we are there to make sure there's no crime issues or public order issues.

"We are purely there for the safety of members of the public."

It will be the second year running the Battle Bonfire will clash with the county's biggest bonfire celebrations at Lewes.

Battle traditionally holds its celebrations on the nearest Saturday to November 5, which this year falls on a Sunday.

Every year the Lewes event takes place on November 5, except when the date falls on a Sunday.

This is because the organisers have an agreement with the local authority and the church not to hold it on the Sabbath.

If the 5th falls on a Sunday, Lewes' celebrations take place on a Saturday instead.

The Boyes are optimistic that the Battle event will still pull in the crowds.

Matt said: "Unfortunately, with our event being held on the same night as the Lewes bonfire, the procession will be slightly shorter than some years due to a decrease in the number of visiting societies. I still expect crowd numbers of up to 15,000 and hope those who do attend feel able to contribute to our charity collection which is such an important part of our celebrations."

South Eastern has laid on extra trains to cope with the number of revellers.

Extra trains will run from Hastings to Battle at 18.07 and 19.07, from Battle to Hastings at 21.43, 22.43 and 23.45 and from Hastings to Tonbridge, calling at Battle, at 23.05.

The usual Saturday night services will also be running.