HUNDREDS of people descended on Penarth seafront to see in the new year with a large firework display.

Around 300 people watched the show which lasted for around 11 minutes as Penarth ushered in 2018 on The Esplanade.

The display was put on by the Michelin Star Restaurant James Sommerin which has hosted the event for four years now but this year’s event has been the biggest one so far.

The restaurant was fully booked with between 50 and hundred people dining there on New Year’s Eve (Sunday, December 31).

Mr Sommerin is hoping to make it a bigger and better event over the coming years and is hoping it becomes a real fixture of the annual social calendar in Penarth.

The chef identified the fact that there is no major organised fireworks event in the area to celebrate the new year.

He said he wants the event to make Penarth a “shining light” on the map as the town deserves that.

He hopes there might be scope to work with the council on the event in future years.

He said: “It went off really well. We had probably 300 people down here.

“The weather took a turn for the worse just before midnight but at around two minutes after it cleared up which is when our fireworks went off anyway.

“It was amazing and there were loads of people cheering at the end.

“I was quite touched by the thanks we got.

“We put this on for our customers and for the people of Penarth.”

He said that the aim is now to make the event even bigger and better next year.