Anticipation is growing as Pembrokeshire prepares to host the biggest firework display ever to take place on home soil.

Next week, fireworks of all shapes and sizes will light up the night sky for a competition expected to be one of the biggest and most glamorous in the international firework calendar.

Sponsorship from companies big and small, including a £10,000 donation by the oil company, Total, has lifted the competition to a new level. The Total Refinery at Milford Haven is the biggest single sponsor of the ground-breaking event, which takes place on the Haven Waterway on the weekend of September 28 and 29.

The company says it is keen to back the competition which it sees as an exciting opportunity to raise Pembrokeshire's profile. "It is an excellent opportunity to show the rest of the world what a beautiful and diverse place Pembrokeshire is,' said a company spokesperson.

"A lot of work has gone into organising the competition, and we are really pleased to be able to help showcase this amazing event and raise the profile of this fantastic corner of Wales.'

The event is expected to boost the off-season local economy in waterside communities, including Pembroke Dock, Neyland and Llanstadwell. It will build on the success of the Brunel Festival firework display held last year.

The communities neighbouring the Haven Waterway have risen to the challenge of developing a varied programme of events to complement the competition.

Since news of the competition was announced, towns and villages have organised their own events to entertain the thousands of visitors who are expected to watch.

"The Brunel Association has said it will be putting events on and both Neyland and Pembroke Haven yacht clubs have some exciting ideas too,' said Kate Lindley, of PLANED, which is helping to organise the event.

The competition will involve a panel of technical judges and dignitaries charged with choosing the winner. Points will be awarded for rhythm, continuity, pattern, creation and use of colour. The event is being organised by a committee formed of representatives of the local communities, chaired by Clr. Sue Perkins, and supported by PLANED through the Experience Pembrokeshire's Waterway project.

The project is supported by EU LEADER+ and part- funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.