AN annual fireworks display run by the Chester Lions will not go ahead this year for the first time in more than half a century.

The group says that costs have risen dramatically over recent years with more safety requirements necessary.

They say the event – which has run for 54 years at Chester Zoo and now at the racecourse – can no longer take place without major funding.

Members held a special meeting last week and "reluctantly decided to call it a day".

It started as a small community event but has grown into a major spectacle that attracts more than 10,000 people.

In a statement, the Lions said: “Costs have risen dramatically over the past few years with more and more safety requirements having to be put in place - this alone has doubled the costs of this event over the past two years!

“Without help from companies like MBNA and M&S Bank the end may have come a lot sooner, and as a charity Chester Lions can no longer run this event without major funding.”

They added: “We at Chester Lions Club would like to thank everybody (too numerous to mention them all) for their support over the years but especially the Zoo where it all started and The Racecourse where it has sadly finished.

“This event was in everybody's diary and will be sadly missed by Chester Lions, the local community and beyond, and of course our local businesses.”

The group said it is talking to the council to explore how the city can retain a fireworks display for November 5 this year.