IT was probably the best firework display Felixstowe had ever seen.For while the nation ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the brilliant display for the Queen above Buckingham Palace, the seaside resort had its own fantastic pyrotechnics over the sea.

By Richard Cornwell

IT was probably the best firework display Felixstowe had ever seen.

For while the nation ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the brilliant display for the Queen above Buckingham Palace, the seaside resort had its own fantastic pyrotechnics over the sea.

Thousands of people gathered on the prom and the beach to watch the show, which crowned the town's jubilee celebrations and was the climax to a superb day of music and entertainment on the seafront.

As the wonderful colours filled the night sky, the crowds were able to watch not only the resort's display but also those in the distance at Harwich and Walton-on-the-Naze.

Felixstowe's deputy mayor, Doreen Savage, said: "It was brilliant. I think that was the best firework display Felixstowe has ever seen.

"It has been a great day for the town and the fireworks really gave it a special ending, and it was great to see so many still here to enjoy them."

Phil Amey produced and fired the display with the help of five friends from Sussex, and the team spent 14 hours on the day fusing and preparing the display.

The display included two 12ft by 12ft set-pieces depicting a 50p coin complete with the queen's head, which was greeted with cheers and a massive round of applause from the crowds.

The show also featured roman candles fired 144 at a time along with several hundred shells.

"Our budget was a mere £3,000. The key to the success of the display was that we didn't charge for our time we only took from the budget our legitimate costs for vehicle hire and fuel," said Mr Amey.