The Lewes bonfire celebrations will go ahead as planned this weekend despite fears over flood damage to the procession routes.

A meeting between police, council officials and bonfire societies declared the public would be safe.

It had been feared the recent floods would make the event unworkable.

Two weeks ago Lewes was cut in half by raging floodwater as the River Ouse burst its banks after 4in of rain fell in 36 hours.

Ian Hodgson, planning manager for Sussex Police's East Downs division, said: "It's all systems go. Bonfire Night will go ahead as usual. We would expect a healthy crowd for the night, as in any other year."

But he added: "People must be aware it will not be quite the same after all the difficulties of late.

"Conditions underfoot will probably be quite muddy, so we ask people to come prepared.

"These celebrations are something that Lewes really needs after all the problems, so hopefully it will be a good night."

Tides on the river Ouse will be low in the run-up to the bonfire celebration, held a day early on Saturday, November 4.