A RECORD number of people crammed into Verulamium Park on Saturday night for a fantastic fireworks display. The fireworks spectacular, which was organised by St Albans Abbey, attracted around 30,000 visitors to the park and generated a total of �58,000 i

A RECORD number of people crammed into Verulamium Park on Saturday night for a fantastic fireworks display.

The fireworks spectacular, which was organised by St Albans Abbey, attracted around 30,000 visitors to the park and generated a total of �58,000 in entry charges, the most the event has ever raised.

Cllr Melvyn Teare, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage at the district council, said that it was a "very successful" evening and added: "Everything went so smoothly and even the weather was kind to us. Our sponsors Giffen Group were very helpful in supplying equipment and giving a helping hand on the night."

Canon Stephen Lake, sub dean at The Abbey, said that it was the biggest and best fireworks display yet: "We had the best turn out, the best display and the best income that I've ever seen! I've never heard so many 'oohs and aahs' from the crowd, so I'm sure they enjoyed it too."

He added: "It's great to see people supporting their local fireworks display and because of the big turn out, we can prepare to donate an impressive amount of money to our chosen charity, The Cancer Trust.