BROMSGROVE'S civic Guy Fawkes celebrations went off with a bang on Sunday when a record number of people gathered in Sanders Park.

The crowd, estimated at between 15,000 and 18,000 is the largest since the event, held annually in the park off Kidderminster Road and organised by Bromsgrove District Council, began in the mid 1990s.

The spectacular 20-minute firework display synchronised to music from James Bond films, brought loud oohs and aaahs from the crowd.

District council chairman Cllr Mike Gill (Con, Woodvale) who pressed the button to light the huge fire said: "The event just gets bigger and better every year.

"The fine weather this year made a tremendous difference to the attendance but people are getting to know that Bromsgrove is putting on an extremely good event."

He went on to praise his council colleagues and others who made a collection on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Relief, his chosen charity.

The total amount collected for the charity on the gates was £2,370.

A radio roadshow and funfair were added attractions and members of North Worcestershire Rotary Club were kept busy serving customers on their pig roast stall.