At attempt to set a new Guinness world record for the largest pyrotechnic Catherine Wheel has had to be called off because strong winds caused severe damage to the huge structure last night.

"The damage runs into thousands of euro in view of the metal work involved," a spokesman for Our Lady of the Lilies fireworks factory of Mqabba said.

The fireworks enthusiasts had been trying to break the current record set abroad by a Catherine wheel with a diameter of 85 feet.

The sheer size of the Mqabba Catherine Wheel can be seen in the picture (with video) taken yesterday by Jurgen Scicluna as the fireworks enthusiasts used a crane to set it up.

The enthusiasts said at a press conference this morning that a fresh attempt to set a new record would be made in due course.

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