A NORTH-EAST fireworks company will light up the skies for more than 200,000 people this week.

Alan Hillary Pyrotechnics, based in Gateshead, has been invited to perform at the British Firework Championships, which takes place in Plymouth tomorrow and on Wednesday.

The company will be one of six competitors at the show. Each is given ten minutes on both nights to put on displays over the South Coast.

Managing director Alan Hillary said: "It is a real honour and a challenge for us to perform on a national stage, with the chance of lifting the UK championship title.

"Taking part is a big thrill for all of us at Alan Hillary Pyrotechnics, and if we bring the title back to Newcastle and Gateshead, that will be the icing on the cake.