THOUSANDS of determined Bromsgrove residents who turned out to enjoy the town's bonfire night celebrations despite the wet weather have been praised for their support.

It is estimated around 5,000 people poured into Sanders Park, off Kidderminster Road, on Sunday night for Bromsgrove District Council's Civic Bonfire and Fireworks Event.

Last year an estimated 10,000 people turned out.

Families armed with umbrellas braved the muddy conditions to enjoy an explosive evening including all the fun of the fair and, to the accompaniment of space-themed music, more than 5,000 fireworks.

The Heart FM roadshow kept the crowds warm while they waited for the launch of the 20-minute firework display.

The council's leisure assistant, Rob Heard, said every rocket went off despite the appalling weather conditions.

He added: "We would have been justified calling it off but I think people would have been disappointed.

"The feedback I've had has been really positive and I'd like to thank everyone who braved the elements.

"People worked very hard organising the event and we want to thank the public for their support."

Admission was free but there was a collection on the gate for council chairman Anne Doyle's (Con, Barnt Green) charities -- the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Victim Support.

The council's head of leisure services, Robbie Hazelhurst, said: "Five or six thousand people, maybe more, turned up to see the display and considering the atrocious weather conditions the numbers were superb.

"And for the people who turned out I don't think the weather spoiled their enjoyment."