Sponsorship from companies big and small, including a £10,000 donation by oil company, Total, has put the fizz into Pembrokeshire's first ever fireworks competition. The Total Refinery at Milford Haven is the biggest single sponsor so far of the ground-breaking event, which takes place on the Haven Waterway this September. 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, expected to be one of the biggest and most glamorous in the international firework calendar, 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. Fireworks of all shapes and sizes will be used in the battle, with 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. There has already been keen interest from potential competitors. The current British fireworks champions, Jubilee Fireworks, have signed up to compete, as has Pembrokeshire's very own Westcoast Fireworks which recently competed in the world pyro- Olympics in Manila. Competition clerk Chris Allen said Millennium Fireworks, which won a championship in Courchevel last year, would also be taking part. He hopes the competition will become an annual event and a forerunner to the first ever official European championships. "There is so much interest in this competition, it will really put Pembrokeshire on the map,' said Mr. Allen. 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.