BONFIRE night went with a bang – despite the rain which swept Merseyside yesterday..

Thousands flocked to displays across the region while others enjoyed a few sparklers at home.

And the emergency services enjoyed one of their quietest November 5s.

Both the police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue reported a drop in the number of call-outs they received.

A spokesman for the fire service said: “The weather has played a role, but significantly also the role of our Arson Reduction Teams and our partners in Local authorities who have removed a great deal of potential bonfire material – much of it hazardous – off the streets.”

Between 5.00pm and 10.00pm, the fire control centre handled 367 calls to incidents, of which 224 were to small fires or bonfires.

The total number of calls Merseyside Police dealt with was down around 24% on last year. Force incident manager Insp Ian Fowler said: “It’s been an incredibly quiet night for a bonfire night. It’s not been much different to a normal night to be honest.

“I don’t know if it’s the rain or if it’s the measures and action plans we’ve put into place that have done it but its been amazing.”

The force “tweeted” what they dealt with on social networking site Twitter.

A Huyton man was arrested after being found in possession of over £1,500 worth of stolen display fireworks.

A Liverpool City Council spokesman said: "Crowds have turned out as they have in previous years and the rain doesn't seem to have dampened their spirits or reduced numbers at all.

"This year we had a Space Theme celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Moon landings which went down very well and contributed to a successful night for all concerned."