BUSINESS is going with a bang... and a crash and a wallop for Gwent fireworks expert Jonathan Mellen.

The former Gwent fireman is in the third year of his fireworks and pyrotechnics business, based in Cwmbran, and he says business is literally booming.

Mr Mellen, who has a retail shop in Victoria Street, Cwmbran, and offices in Llantarnam Road, handles major fireworks displays across the UK.

He says interest is such that almost every day is busy, but November remains special. Mr Mellen, who owns Pendragon Fireworks and Pyrotechnics, choreographs displays for weddings, concerts and outdoor shows such as the massive shows at Newport's Tredegar House.

He said: "I have probably had my busiest year and things seem to be getting better and better.

"The interest in fireworks is growing, with people wanting indoor, cold fall-out displays at weddings, for example."

Mr Mellen said a highlight of the year was creating the son et lumiere show at the Blaenavon ironworks.