THE temperatures may be plummeting, but a spectacular fireworks display will be turning up the heat in Darlington at the weekend.

This year's Bonfire Night event in Darlington's South Park, which is being staged on Saturday, is being hailed as the best yet, with tens of thousands of people expected to participate.

One of the world's leading pyrotechnic and display designers, Graham Wilkinson, will again be providing the fireworks show at the action-packed event.

The fun begins at 6pm, with a music roadshow hosted by 96.6TFM Radio and Magic 1170.

The giant bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the fireworks display will light up the sky between 7.30pm and 8pm.

Councillor Dorothy Long, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure services, said: "Last year, more than 120,000 people had a thrilling time at the fireworks show.

"This year, we hope even more people will come along and have a fantastic time at what is one of the biggest free events in the region."

The crew from the new TFM breakfast show joined officials from the borough council at Darlington's Dolphin Centre yesterday to promote the event and press home a Bonfire Night safety message to adults and children.

The Fireworks and Laser Spectacular 2002 is likely to draw a huge crowd and council officials have warned that there will be a heavy demand on town centre car parks.

Entry and exit from the event is available from Victoria Embankment, Bedford Street, Henderson Street and the three entrances from Parkside.

A wide range of catering facilities will be available, as well as first aid services and a centre to help reunite any children who get lost with their families.

Last year's display, which had a Space Oddity theme, included a host of space-age games and music.

For further information contact the event hotline on (01325) 388410, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.