Hadlow fireworks company that created Olympic Torch relay display in Dover is shutting down

A pyrotechnic arts company which created the firework display for the Olympic Torch relay in Dover is closing due to a lack of public funding, the BBC reports.

The World Famous, from Hadlow, Kent, stages most of its art shows free, relying on subsidies from arts councils, festivals and local councils.

Director Mike Roberts blamed the general economic decline but also a cultural shift to more elitist events. The Arts Council England said it had supported the firm for years.

Mr Roberts said the closure would affect four full-time members of staff and a core of 30 regular freelancers.

He will start closing the 13-year-old firm at the end of August, and will be fully shut down by December.