RICHARD BATSON Cromer's New Year's Day fireworks display began as a millennium one-off - but is still going strong and growing into a family seaside treat. Fireworks will be launched from the pier at 5pm on January 1, but organisers are also providing fun runs, a torchlit procession, and all-day town quiz.

RICHARD BATSON

Cromer's New Year's Day fireworks display began as a millennium one-off - but is still going strong and growing into a family seaside treat.

Fireworks will be launched from the pier at 5pm on January 1, but organisers are also providing fun runs, a torchlit procession, and all-day town quiz.

Committee chairman Jim Bond said the display had really established itself as an annual event since it began in 2000 to mark the millennium.

"It gives people the chance to come to the coast to blow away the cobwebs at the seaside, enjoy some fish and chips and see a fabulous firework display over the sea to kick off the New Year.

"We've been seeing increasing numbers each year, and last year collected over £4,000 which goes to local charities and the cost of the following year's display."

Entry forms for the quiz will be available in front of the church where torches will be sold for the 4.30pm torchlight procession.

Registration for the one-mile fun runs along the prom, costing £1, is from 2.30pm.

The runs, organised by North Norfolk Beach Runners, kick off with a fancy dress event at 2.45pm, followed by under-13s at 3pm, under-16s at 3.10pm, and seniors at 3.20pm.

The main attraction is the 20-minute firework display off the pier, which will again be masterminded by Clive Casburn, who lights the blue touchpaper for the popular Cromer carnival displays.

"If the sea is calm we'll fire some watershells, lobbed out at 45 degrees from the pier, which fizz and hiss on the water and then explode with a bang like a mine," he explained.

Always keen to find new ways of using the unique setting of the pier, he aims to fire Roman candles over the side like a broadside from a battleship.

"I'm very proud of what we do from Cromer pier.

"We do about 30 shows a year, and the ones for Cromer are always really special, especially over the water," said Mr Casburn.

In the event of bad weather on January 1 the display will take place on the Runton Road carnival field.

The event, which is supported and part-funded by Cromer Town Council, is free, but official collectors will be seeking donations.