ENGLAND football fans are hoping for fireworks in Portugal this summer.
But Crosland Moor-based Black Cat Fireworks are so confident of an English victory they have produced some special Euro 2004 fireworks to let off when David Beckham holds the trophy aloft.
Last night, in the skies above the Colne Valley, the firm, formerly Standard Fireworks, tested some of its new products - including the football range - setting them off at nearby Broad Oak Bowling Club.
Marketing manager Laura Peters believes the Euro 2004 fireworks will be exploding across English skies this summer.
"We will certainly be hoping for an England victory, so we can see our products being used to celebrate," she said.
"People are now much more likely to use fireworks for all kinds of occasions, like birthdays or weddings. It is not just November 5 anymore.
"The Millennium celebrations changed the industry quite considerable. Now it seems to be the done thing to let off fireworks at new year."
As well as the Euro 2004 fireworks, Black Cat have also introduced more products.
Single ignition fireworks are a whole display in one firework and Black Cat have some of the biggest and most colourful available.
Laura said: "Our showcase fireworks this year are the Pyro £39.99 Pandemonium and the Colossus at £79.99.
"The Colossus has 173 effects and lasts for over a minute. It is not cheap, but there are people willing to spend that much."
* Fireworks were first developed by the Chinese more than 2,000 years ago.
* During the Renaissance the Italians developed fireworks into an art form but it took the English another 200 years to catch up.
* In the 1730s firework displays became popular with the general public in England.
* The world's largest firework was a 1,543lb shell. When it was lit in Japan in 1988 it exploded to a colourful diameter of 3,937ft.
* Terry McDonald set a new world record in 1997 when he let off 39,210 rockets in Jersey.
