THIS year November 5 falls on a Saturday so the Lions Club of Tavistock is expecting a large crowd to attend the fireworks display held in Tavistock Meadows.

For several years the club has been using professional companies to stage the display because of the restrictions involved with the types of fireworks it could buy.

Last year's display, by locally-based award-winning company Two Tigers Fireworks, was judged, by many to be the most spectacular and exciting seen in the town for many a year.

A spokesman for the Lions said: 'The health and safety for everybody at the event is of paramount importance so there is always close co-operation with the fire and rescue service which will be in attendance.'

Mike Porter, the station commander for Tavistock, said: 'The letting off of fireworks by inexperienced people in their own back garden with young children about can be extremely dangerous as in many instances it is impossible to maintain the correct safety distance.

'We would always strongly recommend that people go to official displays such as the one organised by the Lions where you can see a spectacular display and when everything possible is done to ensure everybody's safety.'

The organisers ask that pet owners ensure that their animals are well looked after and in a safe place and that people coming to the display leave their own fireworks, including sparklers, at home so as to avoid any accidents.

For safety reasons, entrance to the event will be from the college end of the Meadows only, with the gates opening at 6.15pm and the display starting at 7pm prompt.

Admission is £4 for adults and £1 for children and everybody is advised to arrive early and enjoy the Lion's barbecue and hot drinks while waiting for the display to start.

The fireworks display takes place by kind permission of Tavistock Town Council.