ONE of the country's leading fireworks extravaganzas takes place in Southport this week.

The three-day British Musical Fireworks Championships will be held in Kings Gardens over the Marine Lake from Friday until next Sunday.

Last year the event attracted more than 50,000 people. Five fireworks companies will battle it out with two displays each night, each lasting between 15 and 18 minutes and using half a ton of fireworks costing more than £300 a minute.

Entry prices are £3 for adults and £2 for children and concessions, with a family ticket costing £8. More information from the Tourist Information Centre in Southport.