Residents have called for an end to late-night, seafront fireworks.

Displays near the Palace Pier have been rocking central Brighton and Hove over the past two weekends.

One was organised by the company running the pier while others were smaller displays from beach parties.

A ten-minute Easter Sunday display at 10pm from a barge moored next to the pier caught many elderly people and pet owners by surprise.

Animal rights campaigner Rena Collins, 75, of Dorset Gardens, Kemp Town, has organised petitions against the displays in the past.

She said: "Once again the people of central Brighton have been been suddenly hit by a firework display. At first you don't know whether it is an explosion or not. Many elderly people remember the Blitz and it brings back those memories.

"We don't mind fireworks on November 5, as people with pets can plan for it and get their pets tranquillisers or make sure they are at home with them. But these sudden displays catch people out.

"Immediately after the first explosive firework you hear the birds being disturbed then you hear dogs barking.

"Many residents had no idea there was going to be fireworks at 10pm on Easter Sunday night.

"If people think a few pretty things in the sky and loud bangs are more important than living creatures then I feel sorry for the people of Brighton and Hove."

Trevor Scoble, of Madeira Place, Brighton, said: "This is the second weekend in a row we have had fireworks near the pier.

"The noise on Sunday was horrendous. I was watching people walk past my home and few seemed to stop and watch. Whoever is sponsoring the displays is wasting their money.

"You don't mind fireworks on November 5 or special occasions such as the Queen's Golden Jubilee but not every weekend as it seems to be at the moment.

"We were woken at 2.30am the Sunday before last by someone letting off fireworks on the beach and there was another small display the previous Saturday."

Denise Friend, of Hythe Road, Brighton, said: "I have four cats and a dog and my dog was scared on Sunday night. Goodness knows how pets close to the seafront must have felt."

Palace Pier spokeswoman Clare Wedger said: "This was the first display we have organised this year. We had planned the display on Saturday night and postponed it because of the Queen Mother's death.

"We did advertise it on the pier and on a banner across the pier. We will be having the displays on the Saturday night of the next bank holiday weekends in May and June.

"The fireworks are very popular and bring many people on to the pier. I find it sad that, when we put on an event that is enjoyed by thousands of people, we get criticised."