A FIREWORKS display cancelled after crowd numbers soared to dangerous levels will return as a resident-only ticketed event this year, a council has confirmed.

Great Aycliffe Town Council announced its annual display will return to Newton Aycliffe on Wednesday, November 5 - but only residents can enjoy the spectacle.

Last year, the free display was cancelled on health and safety grounds after 15,000 spectators - three times the normal number - turned up in 2012.

Locals were furious and launched a petition to save the popular event.

The soaring attendances was blamed on the loss of traditional organised events in Bishop Auckland and Darlington and, in February, the council set about resurrecting the display as a ticketed event solely for residents.

The final arrangements have now been revealed.

The fun begins at the Oakleaf Sports Complex at 5.30pm, with the lighting of the beacon and the fireworks display taking place at 7pm.

Entrance will be restricted to Newton Aycliffe residents and will be capped at around 6,000.

Councillor Arun Chandran, said: “We are delighted that this event has been saved for the people of Great Aycliffe it takes the vast majority of fireworks off the streets and neighbourhoods, and provides a community event that everyone can share and enjoy."

Concerns were raised that the spiralling cost of the safety measures could jeopardise the display's long term future.

However, today (Monday, September 29), council leader Bob Fleming said he was hopeful it would continue in the foreseeable future.

Cllr Fleming said: “The cost is a lot higher this year, around £16,000 to £18,000, but it will fall in future years because we can re-use the equipment we have bought.

“We have made provision for the event in our medium term financial plan, which runs until to 2019, but we will have to wait and see how the event goes this year, as there are other issues such as parking to consider."

Residents can apply for a free wristband by presenting a utilities bill as proof of residency at one of the following sessions at the Oakleaf Sports Centre: Sunday, October 26, 11am to 4pm; Monday, October 27, 3pm to 6pm; Tuesday, October 28, 10am to 1pm; Wednesday, October 29, 6pm to 9pm; and Thursday, October 30, 1pm to 4pm.

For more information contact 01325-300700.