Cromer is getting ready to celebrate the arrival of 2013 with a bang, as thousands of people flock to the town for its spectacular New Year's Day fireworks display.

The traditional event sees pyrotechnics launched on the landmark pier, with their colourful explosions mirrored in the sea below.

Display organiser Clive Casburn from Premiere Fireworks in west Norfolk said: 'We are looking forward to building what has become one of the most interesting of our annual displays.

'The pier, as well as presenting problems, has proved a marvellous setting to enhance our material. By rigging the whole length of the pier the show can be seen all along the shoreline.

'By suspending material from the pier, it adds another dimension to the display. The use of aquatic fireworks, surprises the audience every year. The reflections of the fireworks both in the sea and wet sand create a really unbelievable atmosphere'.

'We take great pride in firing this show, which helps in bringing a real celebration to the town and North Norfolk, to welcome in the New Year.'

The 5pm pyrotechnics are the highlight of January 1, but it is also a chance for people to enjoy an afternoon of fresh air, and some seaside food beforehand.

Other attractions around town include a 3pm fun run, and a torchlight procession from the churchyard at 4.30pm.

Organisers urge people to turn up early to make the most of the day, to grab a bite to eat and a good viewing spot.

All three town car parks will be open. Runton Road car park will be charging a fixed charge of �2 per car for all day parking from 2pm on the

day.

Normal car park fees will apply on all other car parks.

Cromer Pier will be closed from 8am on New Year's Day until after the display (about 7pm) for setting and clearing up, although Tides Restaurant will be open.

? The fireworks are not only greeted with oohs and aahs, but also the clicks of hundreds of cameras as people capture the action.

And this year organisers have teamed up with the EDP's sister paper the North Norfolk News and electrical retailers Bennetts to offer a �300 camera prize to the person judged to have taken the best shot from this year's event.

The winner will get a 14 megapixel Parasonic camera with a 20-times optical zoom, and full HD wide angle video.

Cromer Bennetts store manager Simon Morton said: 'We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support such a spectacular local event as the New Year's Day firework display. We felt the prize should reflect this so up for grabs is the latest Panasonic TZ30 Lumix camera and leather case to match worth �300.'

The competition is open to children, adults, amateur and professionals alike who are being encouraged to bring their camera and get creative.

Judges will be looking for images that capture the spirit of the event. Photographs must be taken at this year's show. Entrants may enter no more than three different photographs.

Emailed entries in jpeg format should be sent to fireworks@cromertown.org and printed 7x5 versions via post to Firework Photography Competition, c/o Cromer Town Council Offices, North Lodge, Overstrand Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 0AH. For further information and full competition rules visit www.cromertown.org or email fireworks@cromertown.org.