THOUSANDS of people turned out in the bitter cold tonight to see the firework display at Blackburn Cathedral and join in the Lancashire Telegraph carol service.

The streets around the cathedral were blocked by police as families gathered around in Darwen Street and in the cathedral grounds to watch thousands of pounds worth of spectacular fireworks light up the sky.

The display began with a huge Catherine wheel, and lasted about 10 minutes, ending with a cascade of giant rockets that shook the ground when they exploded.

The fireworks were accompanied by festive tunes from the likes of Shakin' Stevens and The Ronnettes.

Blackburn with Darwen Council organised the display for the 13th year, along with the North West Regional Development Agency.

The carol service was led by Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, and the Salvation Army band provided the music for The Boys and Girls of Blackburn Cathedral Choir, Blackburn Cathedral Children's Choir, Lantern Voices and The Blackburn People's Choir.

The Lancashire Telegraph's assistant editor, Nick Nunn, gave a reading of Isaiah 9.2-7.

Eve Peel took her daughters Jenny, 12, and Ellie, eight, from Preston to take part in the festivities having been so enthrawled last year.

Eve said: "It was beautiful. The fireworks were a nice bit of colour on a dark night.

"Last year we were absolutely amazed by the display, so had to come back."