Thousands of people lined the streets of Norwich for a fantastic free fireworks spectacular.

Families braved the rain and the cold and made their way into the city for the free Big Boom event which replaces the city council-organised Sparks in the Park event which did not happen this year.

But council's new-look fireworks extravaganza, right in the heart of Norwich, is going to be a hit if last night was anything to go by with the crowds of people who lined the streets being wowed by the fireworks launched from Norwich Castle.

They looked on in awe as a kaleidoscope of fire and sound-filled sparks licked round and leapt from the battlements at the Norwich Castle as part of a 20 minute bombardment which ended with a series of booms.

The aptly called Big Boom event was an even bigger hit with the crowds who applauded and cheered in appreciation at the end of the final flurry of firework activity.

Jim Palmer, 34, from Hellesdon attended the event with his wife Lori, 35, daughter Lucy, seven, and their daughter's friend Daisy Basey-Fisher, also seven.

Mr Palmer said: 'Awesome. They're the best I've seen since I was a kid. Lucy said they're the best she's ever seen. Its been fantastic.'

For full story see tomorrow's paper.