FINAL arrangements have been made to ensure a major Bonfire Night celebration goes with a bang tonight.

Families are urged to abandon plans for firework displays in their gardens and take the safer option of enjoying the show being jointly staged by Durham Police and the county's fire and rescue service.

The 29th annual display, in the grounds of police headquarters, at Aykley Heads, Durham, is expected to attract a crowd of several thousand.

The fireworks start at 7.15pm. Half-an-hour earlier a giant bonfire will be lit.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to arrive earlier, preferably with a pre-purchased ticket from one of the principal police stations around the county, or from the reception desk at Aykley Heads.

Admission is payable on arrival, at £2 for adults and £1 for children, with no charge for under-fives.

Local charities will benefit from a share of the proceeds once essential costs of the event have been met.

People are asked to use car parks at County Hall or the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery.

The event is alcohol-free and alcohol taken to the event may be confiscated.

Visitors will be allowed on site from 5pm.