SATURDAY's appalling weather put a dampener on charity firework displays across south Hampshire.

Organisers reported a hefty drop in crowds and in the donations that will head to local good causes.

People had been put off by the incessant rain through the morning and afternoon even though the weather cleared in the evening.

At Broadlands, Romsey, an estimated 7,500 people watched the display compared to 15,000 in the two previous years.

Organiser Ewan Russell said: "We were down in numbers because of the weather. It rained all day and a lot of people were put off from coming.

"It was very frustrating. But everybody here had a good time. We have had two super years so one out of three isn't bad."

At Mayflower Park in Southampton a crowd of several hundred gathered for fireworks and a fun fair. The atmosphere was good although low cloud obscured some of the display.

In Winchester several thousand people took the opportunity to walk unhampered by traffic through the city centre for a torchlight procession from The Broadway, up the High Street, along Jewry Street and down North Walls to the display at North Walls park. Organised by the Round Table, the funds will be spread across several local charities.