Bradford Council, police, fire service and other bodies have teamed up for the first time to produce an information pack for people handling potentially lethal pyrotechnic displays.

The move comes as shopkeepers were warned not to sell fireworks to children - or face the threat of a heavy fine or even a prison sentence.

And David Lodge, from West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said sellers appeared to be getting the message.

"We carried out random testing on 74 outlets, around one fifth of those in Bradford, and not one sold fireworks to youngsters.

"Last year a similar exercise showed 24 per cent of them illegally selling fireworks."

He also said young males were the most likely group to misuse and be injured by fireworks.

The comprehensive advice pack, now available from Bradford Council, includes facts on fireworks and the law, a guide to organising public displays, the firework safety code and the dangers of mixing fireworks and alcohol.

Those receiving packs will be logged onto a database, helping build up useful information to ensure future events run smoothly.

Deputy chairman of Bradford Council's Community Safety Sub-committee Councillor Mohammad Yaqoob said: "Bradford Council is taking a proactive approach on this issue, and, in addition to making the advice pack widely available, has set up a website in the hope that bonfires and firework displays can be safe and enjoyable events."

Toller Lane community officer Sergeant Roy Wensley said: "We welcome this joint approach to firework safety - whether it is for bonfire night or other celebrations such as Diwali, Eid or the Millennium.

"The information is designed to ensure that if people are planning a public event, they can make it a safe and enjoyable one. Working together means we can give the best possible service."

The partnership scheme, which also includes trading standards officers, the Black Cat Firework Company and Cosmic, came in for praise from Yorkshire's Fire Safety Head Dave Monks.

He said: "Many people still have a casual attitude towards fireworks and need to realise that they can cause injury and even kill. We would appeal to everyone attending or organising displays to follow a few simple rules - it could save a life."

Anyone wanting the information pack should contact Stephanie Shields on Bradford 753593. The internet site can be accessed at www.bradford.gov.uk/fireworks.

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