The burning of a one-armed straw man at Fromes Hill, in honour of Nelson, was described as "absolutely brilliant" by landowner and party organiser, Maurice Herbert.

Rainy weather over Ward Hill did not put off a crowd estimated at 150 strong, all keen to see the 30ft high giant set alight. It was part of the national beacon chain to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Mr Herbert said: "It was a miserable night, but it went very well. It was the best straw man we've burnt to date, because he burnt well and stayed upright for 20 minutes."

The giant was lit at precisely 7.15pm on Friday.

A bucket collection was held on the hill, which raised £135 for St Michael's Hospice, Bishop's Frome village centre and Bishop's Frome church.

Mr Herbert said that party-goers, many of whom had brought picnics, were not keen to linger on the hill because of the rain. But a large proportion of them retired to the Major's Arms pub, where there was a pig roast.

The planned bonfire at Dymock did not take place, because the parish council could not find a suitable field in time. There was a service dedicated to the memory of Nelson in St Mary's Church on Sunday.

There was also a dinner at the Feathers Hotel, Ledbury, on Friday, attended by around 60 people. A personal message from Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet, was read out asking diners to toast Nelson's Immortal Memory.