A SPECTACULAR display of fireworks and giant flaming effigies brought thousands of people onto Calton Hill last night.

Organisers estimated that more than 2500 revellers attended the show, held to mark the Hindu festival of Dusshera.

Three giant effigies – representing the evil king Ravana and his two henchmen – were set ablaze, sparking calls to the fire brigade from worried residents.

The models, which were up to 40 ft high, were built by inmates at Saughton Prison for the second year running.

The size of the effigies had organisers at one point considering calling the Territorial Army for help. In the end that did not prove necessary, although it took more than four hours to transport the gigantic figures up the hill.

Dan Gunn, governor of HM Prison Edinburgh, said: "It has been great for the prisoners to be involved again this year and while there were a few problems getting the effigies up here it has been well worth it.

"It is very pleasing to be part of the community. This is a festival about the triumph of good over evil, and hopefully some of my prisoners will realise that by helping out, they are also atoning for what they have done and helping to make a better society."

The festival began in Festival Square, Lothian Road, with the Ramlila Parade, led by the Lothian and Borders Pipe band and featuring youngsters from The Sunshine on Leith Pipes and Samba Band in their first performance.

They were joined by Hindu idols, horse-drawn carriages and youngsters dressed as monkeys and demons for the march along Princes Street.

The parade wound up to Calton Hill for the main festivities, which began with a display of traditional dancing.

With Lord Provost George Grubb in Kyoto on official business, Alastair Paisley attended in his place and set the effigies alight by launching a flaming rocket.

He said: "I had never been before but is wonderful to join in a multi-cultural event like this, which promotes good relations between all communities.

"I was a bit nervous setting off the rocket, and I'm just glad someone else had aimed it for me!"

One of India's most popular festivals, Dusshera is celebrated all over the sub-continent for several days every October.

It tells the story of the Ramayana - one of the great Hindu epics, in which Lord Rama and his army try to rescue his wife, Sita, from the evil King Ravana. After a fierce battle, Ravana is beheaded and Sita is freed.

Mohindra Dhall, president of the Scottish Indian Arts Forum, which organises the event, said he was delighted it had gone well.

"I am really pleased, because it was a real struggle getting the effigies up here, and I was bit worried at one point when we had to start taking them apart and putting them back together.

"I was delighted so many people came along and I was particularly happy that the Sunshine on Leith Pipes and Samba Band agreed to take part, as every year we try to get as many youngsters as possible involved."

Police were on duty at the event, although there was no trouble reported, and Inspector Eamonn Keane said it had been a very good-natured celebration.

"This has been a very traditional spiritual celebration which has been well organised," he said.