There was a party atmosphere at Falmouth fire station on Saturday when representatives from 39 local groups and charities were invited to receive a share of the money raised at last year’s fireworks display.

Members of Falmouth Fire fighters Social and Welfare Club had invited the recipients to the station to collect their cheques.

“Over £8,500 was given away to charities and good causes this year”, said event organiser firefighter Giles Kent.

“Every year following the fireworks display we invite local charities and good causes to apply for a donation.”

Among the beneficiaries this year were: Budock Toddler Group, the Carley Trust, Dementia UK, Falmouth Cricket Club, Falmouth Junior Rugby section, Penryn Rugby Club, Falmouth Town, Flicka Foundation, Highway Church in Penryn, Falmouth Coastguards, Penryn OAP Group, Falmouth Stroke Club and the Wave Project.

Also, before Christmas money was donated to Stanley’s Friends towards a sensory room being created at the home of little Stanley Barnes, whose grandfather Terry had organised the very first community firework display over 20 years ago.

A donation has also gone to Ellie-Mai Jeffrey, a four-year-old from Penryn who suffers from cerebral palsy and is at the centre of a campaign to raise funds for physiotherapy she’ll need after surgery.

Further donations were made to the Firefighters Charity and towards the next visit to Cornwall by children still being affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986.

Personnel from Cornwall Fire and Rescue play a supporting role in the visits and host children at various fire stations.

Watch manager Stuart Williams said: “It’s great that we are able to do this and that the public continue to support the fireworks. We have been doing the display for many years now and whether it is a dry clear night or pouring with rain the public are always there, without whom we would not be in a position to help out local charities and good causes.

“As a fire service we are really keen for members of the public to attend organised events as fireworks can be very dangerous, and no matter how careful you are accidents can still happen.

By coming along to an organised display you get to see great fireworks and everyone has a great time in a safe, controlled environment.”

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet: