County bonfire and fireworks fun

Bonfire Night might have been and gone but the partying went on across Shropshire over the weekend with a host of fireworks displays to brighten up the winter weather.

One of the biggest events was held yesterday at Weston Park, near Shifnal, where more than 9,500 people gathered to see the bonfire lit at 5.30pm. There were two fireworks displays, as well as a funfair and radio roadshow.

Andrea Webster, from Weston Park, said: "We had a great time. The numbers were on par with other years and the weather was not that cold."

Blists Hill Victorian Town in Ironbridge played host to its Bonfire Night on Saturday when the fireworks were let off from about 7.30pm.

The display dazzled over the Ironbridge Gorge and instead of a blazing bonfire, organisers had 10 burning braziers following the line of the canal.

Meanwhile, about 350 people enjoyed the fireworks on and off the pitch at The New Saints Football Club at Park Hall near Oswestry.

The New Saints thrilled supporters with a 4-0 win over local rivals Elements Cefn Druids. And the match was followed by a firework display for the fans. A spokesman said: "It was dreadful weather, cold and raining, but we had a good crowd and the fireworks were a great success."

About 2,500 people attended Oswestry's annual bonfire and fireworks display on Saturday and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The event, at Brogyntyn Park, was held by the Treble Niners, a group of serving and retired firefighters, in conjunction with Oswestry Town Council.

More than £60,000 has been raised in the past 20 years. Firefighter Alan Walker, from Oswestry Fire Station, said there was a lot of support from the people of Oswestry.

There was also a display at Audlem, near Market Drayton. Bob Cartwright, from Audlem Online, said: "It was a finely choreographed show with the music paired to perfection with explosive sounds and seemingly thousands of rockets lighting the Audlem sky."

By Jason Lavan