HUDDERSFIELD firework company Black Cat has imported 20,000 tonnes of fireworks ready for Bonfire Night.

The firm, based at Crosland Hill, is importing the pyrotechnics from its factories in Liuyang, China.

The shipment travelled 8,000 miles by sea, arriving at Felixstowe docks, Suffolk, after four weeks.

The stock has now been sent to safe storage areas around the UK.

It will not be sent out to retailers until October, because laws on handling fireworks say shops can only hold a certain amount of fireworks for a specified time.

Black Cat managing director Andrew Fowlds said: "Unlike most of retail products, ours must be delivered on a just-in-time basis. It's what makes this industry so exciting."

Black Cat, which also supplies the Standard Fireworks brand, is taking orders from shops for fireworks, safety cabinets to display them in and promotional material.

Mr Fowlds added: "Demand for fireworks is bigger than ever this year.

"Sales look set to soar even higher than our fireworks will on November 5."