PREPARE to be impressed — Okehampton is planning the biggest firework display and party the town has ever seen for the 'real millennium' night.

Disappointment in the town over the lack of celebrations in Okehampton last New Year's Eve has spurred on a group of residents to organise something really special for the community.

'There was so much criticism about last year,' said shopkeeper Heather Whitbread, who is one of the people behind the plans. 'Well, on December 31 this year there will be something going on and it will be the greatest show the town has ever seen.'

A street party with stalls and street entertainment will line Fore Street and on the first stroke of midnight a grand fireworks display will begin at West Bridge.

Stan Stormont, who is also a member of the 'Watch this Space' group, said: 'We want as many local people as possible to join in in one way or another by helping with the organisation on the night, running a stall or performing.'

Discussions have taken place with the police regarding the closure of Fore Street and the location of the fireworks, and performers are being approached to bring the town alive with music and dancing.

A celebrity is also being sought to headline the celebrations.

The estimated cost of the event is £9,000 but the group is confident it can raise that through sponsorship from local companies.

The fireworks alone will account for two thirds of the cost but Mrs Whitbread said the professional displays by Lockrow Pyrotechnics, of Newton Abbot, were 'second to none'.

'I went to a fireworks display by this company in Cullompton on November 5 last year and it was a amazing,' said Mrs Whitbread, who is an agent for Lockrow Pyrotechnics. 'My immediate thought was, wouldn't this be great in Okehampton.'

The original idea was to have the event in the grounds of Okehampton Castle but English Heritage was not keen because of the difficulty of getting staff to work on that night.

When the fireworks company came up with the town centre location, it was considered ideal because it was felt people could come out from the pubs in Fore Street and admire the view.

'We will be informing all the residents around that area of what is happening on that night,' said Mrs Whitbread.

The company or individual who comes up with the largest amount of sponsorship will have their name lit up in the sky by fireworks.

'Watch this Space' is keen to promote its millennium bash as a family event and want every one of Okehampton's residents to be joining in the fun.

'I suggest the adults put their children to bed in the afternoon so they will be wide awake for all the evening's entertainment — it's going to be a night to remember,' added Mrs Whitbread.

Mr Stormont, who is a town councillor, said it did not matter that there were no celebrations in Okehampton last New Year's Eve because 2001 was the start of the 'real millennium' in numerical terms anyway and many parties were planned all over the country.

It was also the 200th anniversary since the charter was signed for the creation of the United Kingdom in 1801.

Some local residents were unhappy about the lack of celebrations last year especially when they discovered the town clock was not working.

But it was the town council's view that local people only had themselves to blame because several public meetings on ideas for the millennium were poorly attended.

A meeting of 'Watch this Space' is scheduled for next Monday, February 28, at the Plume of Feathers in Okehampton and anyone interested in being involved is welcome to go along.

Anyone who may be able to offer sponsorship or wants more information can contact Mr Stormont on 01837 53397.