WORCESTER'S new millennium fountain burst into life in the middle of a celebration that included fireworks, dancers and singers.

The Quayhead fountain by Copenhagen Street was switched on at a ceremony at 5.30pm, yesterday.

Local singing group Colla Voce performed songs and carols and 14 dancers performed around the fountain.

The dancers approached from South Parade and Kleve Walk carrying water lanterns and wearing feather masks and cloaks.

Speeches were given by Councillor David Clark, Mayor of Worcester, and Cecil Duckworth, Worcester's millionaire benefactor who contributed £60,000 to the £400,000 project.

Mr Duckworth then switched on the fountain and a firework display entertained the audience.

The fountain is made up of 13 jets, lit from below, which can reach a height of 8ft and will be the centrepiece of the project to revamp the area by Copenhagen Street extending to St Andrew's gardens.

"We would like to say a big thank you for the hard work and dedication that has surrounded the Quayhead project," said Coun Derek Prodger.

The ceremony was almost postponed after vandals broke one of the pumps by turning on the fountain without any water in the system, on Friday, December 7.

A replacement pump was traced and shipped in from Germany.