Crowds are expected to flock to Cromer pier for the annual New Year's Day fireworks display, which raises thousands of pounds for charity.But visitors to the spectacular 5pm show are being urged to arrive at the resort early - as the town lights the fuse for the big day with mixture of natural and organised attractions.

Crowds are expected to flock to Cromer pier for the annual New Year's Day fireworks display, which raises thousands of pounds for charity.

But visitors to the spectacular 5pm show are being urged to arrive at the resort early - as the town lights the fuse for the big day with mixture of natural and organised attractions.

With a 1.22pm low tide, the sands will be ideal for a beachcombing stroll to blow away the old year's night cobwebs.

Step up a gear and there is a 3pm, one-mile fun run on the promenade organised by the North Norfolk Beach Runners, with categories for under-13s, 14-16 years, seniors and even fancy dress for those still in the party spirit. Registration will take place from 2.30pm on the pier forecourt for a fee of �1.

As darkness falls, the curtain-raiser for the main event is a 4.30pm torchlight procession from the churchyard, with mulled wine, hot drinks and soup in the church.

Fireworks committee chairman Jim Bond said the day, initially hatched to celebrate the millennium, was also aimed at bringing people to the coast for a breath of fresh air, and have something to eat and drink before the display.

But he urged people to arrive early to enjoy the other attractions and to get good vantage points for the fireworks, which regularly attracts 8.000 people and raises more than �5,000 for local good causes and prime the pumps for the following year's display.

Premiere Fireworks' Clive Casburn promised some "magical effects" to welcome the new decade, including fountains fired from the sides of the pier, along with 'a red-white-and blue series with plenty of noise and colour', and a golden finale featuring strobing stars.

Cromer Pier will be closed from 8am on New Year's Day while the display is set up.