Firework event scrapped for first time in 25 years

The pier was closed on 10 October

An annual firework display has been cancelled for the first time in 25 years because of damage to a pier.

In previous years the Worthing Lions' display, which was booked for 5 November, saw fireworks set off from the end of the town's pier.

Worthing Borough Council said earlier in October engineers found a pier support had been damaged by a storm and that the site would have to be closed "until further notice".

Council leader Sophie Cox said: “We know how disappointing this will be both for the Lions and the many thousands of people across the borough who come out to enjoy the fireworks each year, but keeping people safe must come first."

Kevin Hawkes, from the Worthing Lions, said the group looked at different options but had to make the "horrible" decision to cancel the event.

Cox explained that the time constraint meant it was "impossible" to rearrange.

Mr Hawks said about a third of the charity's annual fundraising comes from the event.

He said: "To lose that money is money that we won't be able to regenerate back into Worthing."

He said the event would come back “bigger and better” in 2025.