Weymouth's seafront will light up tonight in memory of a much-loved father in a display that promises to be 'the biggest and best it has ever seen.'

The fireworks display in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare will be held tonight at 9.30pm in a celebration of the life of patient Mike Hunter.

Mr Hunter was responsible for setting off the fireworks during his time as a pyro-technic operator at Pains Fireworks, where he worked for more than 20 years.

Before his death in October 2016, he spoke with his family about his love for the event and his wish was for his ashes to be scattered when the display for Weldmar takes place.

Mr Hunter’s daughter, Sam, a teacher at Thomas Hardye School, said: “As a family, we had a discussion with dad about how he wanted his ashes to be dealt with. 

“We discussed where he really enjoyed being, and one of the things he loved doing was the fireworks in Weymouth.

“He spoke to his company, to see if they would be able to support him to have his ashes scattered whilst a firework display was happening. They have also promised that these fireworks will be the biggest and best that Weymouth has ever seen.

“His one little caveat was that we needed to make sure that we did some fundraising at the same time.”

Weldmar has worked with local businesses and organisations to offer residents and visitors the free firework spectacular on the sea-front.

Weldmar fundraiser Emma Brown, said said: “This will be an opportunity to raise funds for the care of our patients whilst sustaining and developing this traditional summer event in Weymouth, also paying a fitting tribute to Pains Firework employee Mike Hunter.”