Fireworks championships under way in Blackpool

The first of three fireworks displays by international teams competing for the International Firework Championships title stunned spectators in Blackpool.

The Irish team were first to display their pyrotechnical prowess, with the Chinese and French teams preparing to compete over the next two Friday evenings.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to watch from the promenade throughout the competition and the winner will be announced on 27 September, when British Pyrotechnical experts Titanium will bring the event to a spectacular close.