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Pyrotechnic vicar Rev Ron Lancaster dies aged 95

Aimee DexterCambridgeshire
Kimbolton Fireworks Reverend Ron Lancaster has short grey hair and is standing in the dark lighting a bunch of fireworks which are situated on top of a cake. He is wearing a navy suit and a white stripped shirt.Kimbolton Fireworks
Rev Ron Lancaster MBE died on 18 October

A vicar and retired chemistry teacher who was behind some of the nation's most incredible fireworks displays has died at the age of 95.

The Reverend Ron Lancaster MBE founded Kimbolton Fireworks in 1964, creating displays for the 2012 London Olympics and the capital's New Year's Eve celebrations.

Known as the "Master Blaster Pastor", Lancaster was honoured for "services to pyrotechnics" with a plaque in 2013 by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Phoenix Fireworks, which took on the firm, said in a statement: "A true pioneer of the British fireworks industry, his passion, dedication and vision helped establish Kimbolton Fireworks as one of the most recognised and respected names in pyrotechnics."

It added: "It is a privilege to continue that journey and ensure the Kimbolton name remains a respected part of the British fireworks industry for generations to come."

Fireworks go off in the Olympic Park at the end of the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics in Stratford, London, as seen from the BBC News Olympic studio in Lund Point, in the early hours of 28/07/2012.
Lancaster's Kimbolton Fireworks was behind the London 2012 Olympics display
Getty Images Red and green fireworks explode at night over a cityscape of tall buildings and a bay dotted with boatsGetty Images
Lancaster's company also created the display over Hong Kong marking the transfer of sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997

Lancaster previously told the BBC his fascination for fireworks and chemistry developed from his early years in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

He said he experimented with pyrotechnic devices and helped organise displays for the local community during World War Two, at a time when fireworks were not readily available.

"What began as a passion grew into a name synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and spectacular firework displays, his contribution to the industry has left a lasting impression, inspiring generations of pyrotechnicians and firework enthusiasts alike," Phoenix Fireworks said.

Lancaster moved to Cambridgeshire in the 1960s to take the post of chaplain and chemistry teacher at Kimbolton School, where he retired in 1988.

In 1963, he began building fireworks in a small workshop, which later became Kimbolton Fireworks.

The pyrotechnics company has also been responsible for firework displays marking the Queen's Silver Jubilee and the Hong Kong handover of sovereignty in 1997.

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