Cromer's spectacular New Year's Day fireworks attracted a record crowd - and a record sum of money was collected from generous showgoers.

The dry, unseasonably mild weather saw an estimated 10,000 people turn out to watch the display launched from the pier, with �9,400 put in the collection buckets on the evening.

The money will be split roughly equally between next year's display and a host of local charities.

Fireworks committee chairman Jim Bond said: 'I think the view was that there were more people than in previous years, although putting a figure on it is difficult.

'The money that we took is probably a reflection of the increased numbers, and the weather certainly played a big part in the turn out. Last year was freezing.'

He added: 'Word of mouth seems to be making it more popular each year. I keep speaking to people who said they had never seen the display before, but who came after hearing about it from someone else.

'It succeeds because it is such a good display, and it doesn't wear thin. It is always different, and there are already new ideas for next year.

'It's a particularly good display for a relatively small seaside town.'

The town council-organised event was staged by Premiere Fireworks from Great Massingham, near Fakenham. It included Catherine wheels on the sides of the pier and a giant 750 to mark 750 years since the first recorded mention of the name Cromer.

Any charities interested in receiving a grant from the fireworks money should contact Cromer Town Council on 01263 512254.

? See letters, page eight.