A Bonfire Night celebration organiser who cheated death when a firework exploded in his face has pledged it will not put him off in future.

Tom Sumner was burned when a £90 "wonderwall" blew up as he lit it, but he will be back at his post for Burley-in-Wharfedale Guide and Scout bonfire display next year.

He said: "Whatever has happened, I will be there next year if they want me - but I'll be wearing an even stronger helmet and visor."

Mr Sumner, who is known as Mr Burley and won an MBE in 2000 for his years of voluntary work in the community, suffered burns to the left side of his face, his ears, his chin and lip, part of his hair and his left eye-brow.

It happened on Saturday as he lit the first firework of the display, the rogue firework going off earlier than it should. The blast smashed his protective visor and sent him staggering backwards in shock.

He shouted for help and plunged his face into a bucket of cold water before removing his T-shirt and drenching it to hold against his face.

In stoic fashion, he then continued with the £1,000 firework display for a full half hour, refusing the emergency medical treatment on hand in a bid to ensure the event went ahead without anyone else being injured.

More than 2,000 visitors watched the display, which has become a highlight of the village diary.

He is now urging parents and children to be doubly cautious and wants anyone handling fireworks to wear protective helmets.

He said: "I've been lucky. If it hadn't been for my visor I hate to think what could have happened. I almost certainly could have lost an eye and could possibly have died.

"I would urge children never to light fireworks by themselves - they can maim and even kill. Let the adults take care of them for you. Anyone who is thinking of letting them off should always protect their face - you just never know what will happen."

Once the display was over, Mr Sumner, of Sandholme Drive, Burley, was driven to Airedale General Hospital's accident and emergency department and treated for burns.

He said: "I didn't want to make a fuss so I told everyone to leave me to it. I was worried that if I left straight away someone else would get injured through not wearing protection or that children would get a hold of the fireworks.

"It was just a rogue firework."