Fireworks warning as Bonfire Night nears

Safety experts are urging people to go to professionally-organised public firework displays – as fewer people suffer injuries than at private gatherings.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says it sees hundreds of firework-relate injuries in November. Ashley Martin, the charity’s public health adviser, said: “These firework-related injuries literally change lives, with people receiving scarring that requires lifelong treatment."

“If there are organised displays available in your area we’d encourage people to attend, as these will be put on by those trained in the use of fireworks,andwillensurethatyou and your family are safer.

“If you are attending a private event, or putting on your own display, we’d urge you to adhere to the Firework Code, and make sure you are buying any fireworks only from reputable retailers.

“Check that the firework boxcarriesaCEorUKCAmark, make sure you’re only buying category two and category three fireworks – and before using them, please check the distance requirements on the instructions.”

If you are staging you own display:

*Check the time that you can legally set off fireworks.

*Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time.

*Read and follow the instructions on each firework.

*Lightthefireworkatarm's length with a taper and stand well back.

*Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

*Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.

For more information, go to www.rospa.com/fireworks