SKIES over the Five Valleys exploded into colour as the area’s biggest fireworks display returned last night.

The Rotary Valley Fireworks event has run for over 50 years and has raised close to £250,000, which has been distributed to charities and good causes.

Each year a number of charities are chosen which the Five Valleys wish to support, as well as some local groups that benefit from the money raised as an appreciation for their work at the event.

The charities and organisations nominated this year are: St Rose’s School, the Frith Youth Centre, Stroud Rotary Community Awards, Willow Trust, Stonehouse Remembrance Garden, Stonehouse schools, Gloucestershire Young Carers, the first Minchinhampton Scout Group, Riding for the Disabled, Kitty Barron Group, and the Marah Trust.

Mark Cummings from BBC Radio Gloucestershire attended this year’s event, which took place once again at Marling School playing fields, from 6pm to 9.30pm.