A trio of pyrotechnic contests over stately homes across England will make sure summer gets off with a bang this July and August.

Organised by display experts and previous firework champs MLE Pyrotechnics, this year's glittering event at Stanford Hall has been extended to incorporate another two venues as well.

On each night three firework firms will be battling to secure the audience vote by dazzling with carefully choreographed displays set to music.

Viewers can choose their favourite show by texting on their mobiles, and will be further entertained by a final pyro-musical extravaganza as votes are counted.

Event manager Ian Wales says: "The competition at Stanford Hall was such as success last year that we’re taking the event to two great new venues in the hope new audiences enjoy the evening as much as the crowds at Stanford Hall."

Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire will kick of proceedings on July 19th before the gauntlet is thrown down again at Stanford Hall (August 2nd) and Combermere Abbey on the Cheshire/Shropshire border (August 9th).