Battle Bonfire prepares to explode Sarah Palin

The Bonfire Boyes have chosen the Republican vice-presidential nominee, and self-styled 'pitbull with lipstick', as the subject for this year's effigy.

The creation is less than flattering to the proud 'hockey mom', depicting her with bulging muscles and a machine gun - a dig at the mother-of-five's pro-gun stance. And under the sneering Alaskan governor the Boyes pose the question - 'Too hot to handle?'

The effigy also features Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama, cowering in a tin hat, peppered with bullet holes, with 'O Blimey' written across the front.

Matt Southam, chairman of Battel Bonfire Boyes, said: "We just felt she was one of the most interesting characters in the American elections.

"We like to add a little twist and because of her stance on guns, we made her into a Rambo-type character. Hopefully the likeness should be nice and clear and people will see what it's about.

"It's tongue-in-cheek and she's getting more attention than the other two, so she seemed like an ideal candidate."

The Boyes took six weeks to prepare the creation and it's not the first time the group has waded into politics with its choice of effigy in recent years. In 2006, the Boyes depicted Tony Blair and Gordon Brown squabbling as seaside favourites Punch and Judy.

Sarah will be ceremoniously blown up at Britain's oldest bonfire celebrations which will see crowds of people from Battle, Hastings and beyond enjoy the world-famous event.

1066 flaming torches will light the town as the 'Oldest Guy in the World' leads the procession through the medieval streets to Senlac Hill, where William defeated Harold in 1066.

With Bonfire Societies from all over Sussex, guisers, drummers, Morris Dancers and the 'Black Bogies', this is a unique event which can be traced through the parish records to 1646 when 12 shillings and 6 pence was expended.

The spectacle costs around 13,000 to stage and is free for the public.

This money is raised by the Bonfire Boyes throughout the year and all collections on the night go to local worthy causes.

The group is aiming to beat the 5,816 raised last year.

The day begins at 9.45am with judging of the children's fancy dress at The Almonry in the High Street. At 10am the children join the Oldest Guy in the World, Saxon Knights and Rubbish Drummers and process to the Abbey Green as the church bells ring.

At 10am the Battel Bonfire Boyes information and souvenir stall opens on the Abbey Green and there will also be specially-brewed ale from the award-winning Fallen Angel Brewery and waffles on sale.

Those wishing to enter the children's guy competition may bring their entries to the BBB stall up to 6pm, when the judging and prizegiving takes place.

From 6.15pm there will be entertainment on the High Street including Battle Town Band, Pentangle Drummers, Eastbourne Scottish Pipe Band, Rubbish Drummers and fire eaters, and there will also be a chance to meet the stars from this year's White Rock Panto, including S Club 7s Jon Lee.

The procession starts at 7.45pm and finishes at around 10pm, with a massive firework display, huge bonfire and the burning of this year's effigy.

Click here to download map of procession route

There are some important changes to the events on the battlefield this year. The fireworks, bonfire and effigy are relocated to allow extra space for viewing and an additional exit will be provided at the end of the event.

Entry to the bonfire site is via Powdermill Lane only and, due to the nature of the terrain, pushchairs will not be allowed.

This traditional event involves loud noises, flaming torches and large numbers of people and is not recommended for infants or those of a nervous disposition.

Roads through Battle will be closed from 6pm to midnight, during which period no parking is permitted on the processional route.

Southeastern Trains will run additional services between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells.

Further information can be found in the programmes widely available in the town and on www.battlebonfire.co.uk