BUSINESSES have been rallying round to ensure an explosive finale to the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations in Kidderminster.

A £2,500 appeal being run by the Shuttle/Times and News on behalf of the Kidderminster Jubilee Partnership is more than halfway to its target for the fireworks extravaganza on Monday, June 3.

Thousands of people are expected to pack the town centre to see the spectacular display launched from the top floor of the Blackwell Street multi-storey car park.

The free show will round off a series of events being organised by Kidderminster Jubilee Partnership on the weekend of June 1-3.

The fireworks appeal has been backed by a host of businesses and individuals who receive commemorative certificates to mark their involvement. Their names will also be published in a special roll of honour in a jubilee souvenir issue of the Shuttle/Times and News on Thursday, June 6.

Sainsbury's has given £500 to push the appeal past the £1,500 mark and organisers are hoping the final £1,000 will be pledged in the run-up to the jubilee weekend.

Sainsbury's store manager Vernon Dix said: "We always try to work with local people and local events because that is what we want to get involved in.

"We care passionately about the community."

The superstore's support comes hard on the heels of a similar donation from West Midland Safari Park and a substantial pledge from the town's HSBC bank. Helen Joyner and Stuart Wakelam from Kidderminster HSBC bank which has weighed in with its support.

Other businesses which have backed the fund are Safeway; Harrris, Young & Beattie; John Beard Tools and Ironmongery; and Red Roo Computer Services.

A further boost will come from the Shuttle/Times and News and Fagins Bookshop who are making a donation from every copy sold of Royal Days, the special book published to mark the jubilee.

If you would like to support the appeal and receive a souvenir certificate and a place in our roll of honour, fill in the coupon below. The closing date for donations is Friday, May 31.