FIREWORKS worth £10,000 launched off a boat in the Humber estuary drew huge crowds on Bonfire Night.

Organisers Hull City Council had promised a recession-defying "spectacular event".

And those who braved the cold to witness last night's display near Hull Marina and Humber Quays got exactly that.

With every ear-piercing bang, followed a dazzling explosion of colour and gasps from the thousands watching.

Twins Jordan and Courtney Isaac, nine, of Beverley Road, north Hull, were impressed.

Jordan was lost for words, managing only to sum-up what he had witnessed in a word.

"Awesome," he declared, with a broad grin on his face, impressed by the grand finale.

His sister added: "I liked it best when the fireworks went off together.

"I think the rockets were the best ones."

The siblings watched the display with friends, 18-month-old Evie Dennison and Ellie Dennison, nine.

The three older ones huddled together for warmth while the little one gazed up at the sky from her pushchair.

Besides the fireworks, the event – which cost £30,000 in total to stage – included a small fairground.

Catering stalls selling sizzling hot dogs and baked potatoes added to the sounds and smells of Bonfire Night.

Other cities have scaled-down firework displays this year, blaming the recession.

But Councillor John Robinson, portfolio holder for image and culture at Hull City Council, said earlier this week such a move would have caused disappointment.