SPARKS flew in more ways than one at Ebley Fireworks when a Robbie Williams impersonator shocked families with a torrent of foul language.

Despite warnings from event organisers, former Stars In Their Eyes contestant David Williams continued to swear as he performed to a crowd of almost 7,000. Now organisers are refusing to pay him, and have cancelled a second gig in Cheltenham.

Among the crowds were Stuart and Elizabeth Gregory, from Ruscombe, who had taken their grandchildren Olivia, eight, Joanna, six, and James, four, to last Monday's display as a half-term treat.

They listened in disbelief as Mr Williams unleashed a stream of expletives. "It ruined the evening," said Mrs Gregory, 68.

"I thought I heard him swear, but I thought he can't possibly have said that. Then Olivia noticed it and he said it several more times. I'm not a killjoy, but I do object to someone using the F-word at a family event. If he was performing in a pub that would be different, but this was totally unacceptable."

Shocked staff at Stroud-based radio station Star 107.9 FM, which helped organise the event, issued an on-air apology the next day.

A spokesman said the station would not be using Mr Williams again.The SNJ contacted Mr Williams's agent at Bonehead Productions for an explanation.

Director Julian Lavington said the performer got carried away with acting in character. "He accepts he was totally out of order and out of character, but at the end of the day he thought it was a great show," he said.

"We are not happy about it at all and obviously we never expected it to happen. He had some other events booked in the area, which we have cancelled because of what happened."

The apology from Star FM:

"Thank you to everyone who attended Ebley Fireworks. You may be aware that we had problems with our tribute act to Robbie Williams.

On behalf of Star 107.9 I can only apologise for this man's foul language. We had vetted him before making the booking, and he has appeared at many events with no problems.

We asked him not to swear following his first outburst, but he decided to ignore us. We think he really believed he was Robbie Williams.

Once again, please accept our apologies and be assured we will endeavour to assure this is never repeated at future events."