Six hurt in firework incidents

GUY FAWKES night went with a bang this year - as was originally intended.

But for some the bang was a bit too close for comfort as six people rushed to the A and E department at Conquest Hospital with fireworks and bonfire related injuries.

A spokesman for the Conquest said: "We had four last year, so the number has risen, but it is still a very small number for Bonfire night."

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Meanwhile the other emergency services recorded few bonfire night related calls.

A spokesman for Hastings Police said: "We only had a few calls relating to fireworks and bonfires. But they were mainly from people complaining about bonfires in people's back gardens and fireworks being set off after 11pm. This is one of the few times in the year when fireworks are legally allowed after 11pm."

A spokesman for Sussex Ambulance Service said: "We get probably less calls than you would expect at this time of year. I think people are starting to heed some of the safety messages being put out. And a lot more people go to organised displays rather than having them at home which reduces the chance of injury."

Saturday's display at Hastings Castle was provided by renowned local company Renegade Pyrotechnics, who organise most of the big displays in the town, including the Carnival and Hastings Week spectaculars.

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But the celebrations were not just for Guy Fawkes himself - they marked the 10th birthday of the National Lottery, and were one of many such displays taking place around the country.

Council Leader Jeremy Birch said: "Hastings & St Leonards has benefited considerably from the National Lottery, receiving over 18m in the last ten years for 168 different projects. These include contributions towards the restoration of St Mary-in-the-Castle and the recently agreed improvements to Hastings Museum. In addition, numerous community projects have benefited, ranging from 'Walking the Fish' to playgroup grants and we've also benefited from various historic building repair programmes.

"These projects have made a huge and highly visible contribution to the town's physical, economical, and social regeneration.

"In the league table of local authorities in the south east, we are fifth highest in terms of the income received from the Lottery per resident. I am very grateful to all of those who have worked so hard to submit the successful bids which gave us the funding."