CHARITY groups and voluntary organisations across the district will be hoping for a big turn out at this year s Ely fireworks spectacular on Saturday, November 10. All profits from the massive annual fund-raising event will be ploughed back into the commu

CHARITY groups and voluntary organisations across the district will be hoping for a big turn out at this year's Ely fireworks spectacular on Saturday, November 10.

All profits from the massive annual fund-raising event will be ploughed back into the community through grants and donations.

The organising committee has paid out more than £12,000 in the past year. Latest beneficiaries include MAGPAS, the East Anglian Children's Hospice, Cambridgeshire Young Farmers and City of Ely Swimming Club.

Battle Fireworks will once again be lighting up the skies over the cathedral at the biggest local fireworks display that also features side stalls and family attractions.

"We are sticking with our winning formula and avoiding a clash with other fireworks events to maximise attendance at the annual Ely extravaganza," said Des Matthewson, of Ely Round Table, who chairs the event's organising committee.

He added: "This popular event is provided by the community for the community. We hope to see the people out in force to maximise the money we can raise.

"The Ely display has a reputation for being one of the best in the region and we will be spending even more this year to keep it that way."

The organisers have appealed for people to buy their tickets in advance to cut down on congestion at the park gates that will open 6pm with the bonfire being set alight at 6.45pm and fireworks let off from 7.15pm.

For safety reasons personal fireworks and sparklers are not allowed at the event.

INFO: Tickets are now on sale from Nationwide Building Society, Market Square, Lloyds TSB Bank branches in Ely and Soham, David Baldock Dental Surgery, Broad Street. They cost: Adult £2.50, Child £1.50, Family £7 in advance or adult - £3, child £2 on the gate.