A GIANT syringe, off-road bike and knife were set alight as a Salford community came together to "burn the negatives" plaguing their community.

Hundreds of people turned out for the spectacular - if somewhat bizarre - Strike the Light event in Little Hulton on Saturday night.

The negative symbols, made of flammable bamboo and paper, were placed by a 40ft bonfire and symbolically torched to mark the end of a 14-month art project aimed at boosting community pride.

A huge sculpture of a pit head was installed at the site as a backdrop to the bonfire, to reflect the area's mining history.

Spectators were greeted by a light show, and a short film featuring residents talking about Little Hulton were projected on to a screen.

Thumping music blared out as the message to "burn the negatives" was flashed up for all to see.

Local primary-school children then took part in a procession of lanterns before a marching band struck up for the crowd.

The event, at Peel Park, began at 7pm. It was part of an outreach project which has seen artists from the Lowry centre working with local people.

The musical score was written by 11-18 year olds from the area and residents helped Walk the Plank - an internationally-acclaimed Salford-based arts organisation - create the bonfire. The short film was screen by Creative Industry in Salford (CRIIS).

Project manager Graeme Urlwin said: "The burning of objects created by local residents is symbolic of burning everything that is negative in their lives, looking to the future and what people would want Little Hulton to be like."

Andy Farrell, The Lowry's Head of Community & Education, said: "First and foremost we are interested in helping to build communities through creativity.

"By going out to Salford communities and finding out what they are passionate about, we can respond to their interests and encourage social participation through creative activity."