Saturday is the biggest night of the year for Lewes's bonfire societies

The papier mache model, inspired by the prime minister and chancellor's "Punch and Judy" antics, was burnt at an event at Battle.

Up to 15,000 were expected to see the bonfire and torchlight procession.

The biggest crowds were expected to be in Lewes, where up to 60,000 people were anticipated.

Two members of the Battle Bonfire Boyes, Mark Oldroyd, 42, and Matt Southam, 26, spent six weeks building the 13ft by 8ft effigy of Blair and Brown.

Machiavellian plotting

"I came up with the idea in September when the papers were full of the conflict and apparent Machiavellian plotting between Mr Blair and Mr Brown," said Mr Oldroyd.

The society, which has more than 100 members, raises about �12,000 each year to stage the bonfire and fireworks display.

In Lewes, local roads were closed from 1700 GMT to 0100 GMT, with traffic diverted on to the A27.

The Highways Agency also warned drivers in the area to expect delays on the A23 and A26.

During last year's celebrations, seven people were arrested and four people needed hospital treatment.