A huge firework and laser show will see in the millennium in Chelmsford, it has been revealed.

The county town is expected to be buzzing with thousands of people at midnight on December 31 as the cathedral becomes the focal point for celebrations.

Video screens and monitors will be installed in shop windows in the town centre to relay the Bishop of Chelmsford's millennium message and resolution and other national and local events for the anticipated crowds.

Then the large-scale fireworks display and laser light show at the cathedral will announce the start of 2000 - hopefully bug-free.

A total of £11,600 will need to be found to fund the event, with £5,800 being met by the borough council's millennium budget and the rest from church groups.

Chelmsford council officers have started to work on detailed proposals for the millennium eve celebrations, in alliance with the Churches Together in Chelmsford, the police, town centre management, Chelmer FM, Newpalm Productions, retailers and other agencies.

Safety is also an issue, with police expecting that huge numbers of people will congregate in and around Chelmsford Cathedral on millennium eve.

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