RECORD numbers are expected at Bootham Crescent this week for the City Reds firework display.

For the first time ever, the gates are being thrown open to non-members of the long-running supporters group at a cost of £1 per person with City Reds Members going free on production of their membership card.

Last year, there were 300 excited Junior Reds watching with their families but with a 400-strong membership and an open gate to others, organisers are hoping for a bumper turn-out.

The Junior Reds runs in conjunction with York City FC with cash raised being ploughed into the increasingly important Youth Development Fund.

A club night for the young members is held on the first Wednesday of every month during the season except for January, and the November gathering will be turned over to a feast of fireworks, sponsored by manufacturers Black Cat Fireworks.

The doors will open at 6pm with the display getting under way an hour later with more than 40 minutes'-worth of multiple fireworks going off.

Hot dogs and a range of drinks will be available to buy in the Family Room and a raffle will be held to raise extra money for the Youth Development Fund.

The York City Social Club and Family Room will be open from 6pm but the only access to the ground will be through the Nestl Family Stand, with the last admissions shortly before the display starts for safety reasons.

Updated: 10:50 Saturday, October 30, 2004