18 August 2011 Last updated at 05:12 ET

MLE Pyrotechnics wins British Firework Championship

Plymouth Sound was packed with spectators for the first night of the annual championship

Northamptonshire fireworks firm MLE Pyrotechnics has won the British Firework Championship in Plymouth.

The event, the 15th held in the city, involved competitors each producing a 10-minute display.

Thousands of people gathered along the seafront to watch the show, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The council said the event, which normally attracts about 200,000 spectators, contributes around £4m to the local economy.

Matt Lawrence - from MLE, which is based in Daventry - said bad weather had been the biggest concern while his team was setting up its display.

"It took a team of 14 pretty much all day to rig, and it seemed to rain all day, on and off.

"But it cleared up in the evening, which was fantastic."

Tuesday's competitors were Skyburst, Fireworx Scotland and Nemesis Pyrotechnics.

Celebration Fireworks, MLE Pyrotechnics and Highlight Pyrotechnics competed on Wednesday.