November brings a marked change in temperatures and, as the trees lose their foliage and garden fires are set, the feel of autumn is all around.

The faint, acrid smell of gunpowder hangs in the air too as fireworks are launched in gardens and streets.

Organised events are, of course, the best way to enjoy fireworks but the pandemic has put paid to the Inverclyde Council display for this year as colder weather and large crowds increase the risk our health service could be over-run with a second wave of virus cases.

Here we look back to some firework related pictures from the past and wish everyone a safe bonfire night.

Pic 1:

The much-anticipated Inverclyde Council display of fireworks staged in 1998 provided great entertainment for the large crowds of people who turned up on the night. This black and white time exposure shot caught both the throng of spectators looking on and the light display towering into the night sky.

Pic 2:

A friendly but serious message was put across by fire safety officer Tony Barr and policeman Jim Richardson when youngsters Andrew McCall and Tracey Porter joined them for this shot during a firework safety lecture in Larkfield Primary School. The picture was taken in 1997 and it was hoped it would encourage people to attend organised events, rather than stage their own.

PIc3:

Members of the public were warned of the dangers of holding their own displays in parks and gardens by showing off this haul of illegally manufactured fireworks. Inverclyde Council fire safety officer Ian Hillier was joined by inspector Alex McIntosh and fire safety officer Paul Nelis in this picture showing the large array dangerous fireworks sold in some shops around Inverclyde.

Pic4:

The organised fireworks display in Greenock's Battery Park had the added attraction of stomach-churning rides - best enjoyed before munching the hamburger or hot dog you might buy in the nearby stalls. Although taken with black and white film, this shot still gives the feel of bright lights and vivid colours.

Pic5:

Taken from Lyle Hill, this shot, when studied closely, shows the thousands of people who turned up to marvel at the Battery Park show of 1995. The pulsing lights of the fairground rides can be seen in the shot as a showering starburst broke over the crowds.