SKIES around the Malvern Hills were lit up last weekend as fireworks displays went with a bang.

However, safety remained a priority and sub-officer Chris George said Malvern firefighters were not required to attend any bonfire-related incidents.

The Three Counties Showground presented what was probably the biggest fireworks display in the area. The twenty-minute display, choreographed to musical favourites, was attended by 5,000 people.

Funds raised by the Three Counties Agricultural Society will go towards its charitable objectives and the promotion of agricultural and horticultural educational projects.

Volunteers from St Richard's Hospice raised £140 on the night by selling raffle tickets for a Honda car, which will be drawn next year.

The 2005 Ledbury Round Table bonfire and firework display was a great success. Despite a little early rain and a slight delay to proceedings, caused by a cow straying over to the bonfire site, more than £2,500 was raised.

Round Table chairman Antony Halls thanked the community for supporting the event and the Biddulph Estate for the use of Ledbury Park.

More than 400 spectators attended Bromyard 93 Club's firework pageant at the Bromyard Rifle Club.

Organiser Stuart Diplock thanked everyone involved, from Pepperpot Pyrotechnics who supplied the display, to volunteers who manned the sell-out barbecue.

The event raised £600 for Talking Books for the Blind and other local charities.

Food and drink sold out early with more than 1,000 people attending Colwall CE Primary School's Firework Spectacular. Year 6 girls, who made a guy resembling deputy head Dave Mountain, watched it go up in flames. The night raised £2,531 that will be spent on the school.

Light drizzle did not deter more than 220 adults and children from attending Earls Croome village bonfire and firework display. Hot dogs and bacon sandwiches helped to ward off the damp and boost proceeds for St. Nicholas Parish church.

Other local displays were held at Worcester Rugby Club and by Pencombe Young Farmers.

Bosbury Primary School pupils, dressed in brightly coloured firework costumes, opened their annual bonfire event with a song to highlight the importance of firework safety.

The display was organised by the Friends of Bosbury Primary School and attended by 150 parents and local residents, raising £600 for school activities.

n Families keen to see another display should get along to The Grove Junior School, Pickersleigh Grove, Malvern, tomorrow (Saturday).

PTA Spokeswoman Sally Colbourne said: "Last year's display was fantastic, we managed to raise £2,000 which was allocated to the school. It would be brilliant if we could improve on that sum this year."

Gates open at 5pm and the bonfire will be lit at 6pm, followed by the fireworks. A barbecue and bar will be available and tickets are £8 families, £3 adults and £1.50 children.