At least seven people are known to have been injured in firework mishaps, according to newly released figures.

Bradford firefighters told of two injuries between October 1 and November 7.

And Peter Bradley, a consultant in the accident and emergency department at Bradford Royal Infirmary, said: "We treated five people with firework injuries on November 5. They were significant injuries. But it was about the same as last year."

The figures released by West Yorkshire Fire Service show a drop in the number of bonfires attended by firefighters - down from 530 to 299.

Station Officer Jack Womersley, of the brigade's Community Fire Safety department, said: "I'm very pleased with the figures. It shows that people are listening and the message is getting through.

"One of the main things we have been doing is going out in the Bradford district, spreading the general fire safety message.

"I think this has had a spin-off as people are being made more aware of the dangers."

Fourteen-year-old Naheem Ali had his hand ripped apart by a firework during a game of dare. Naheem was holding an airbomb in his hand while playing with friends in Back Girlington Road, Girlington, on October 17.

He required complex surgery as surgeons battled successfully for five hours to save his hand.

Earlier in October, shopkeeper Hamid Zafar suffered extensive burns to his hand after a thug lit a firework in his shop in Harrogate Road, Eccleshill.

Mr Womersley said other factors had contributed to the reduction in incidents. They included the increasing popularity of community bonfires and the cost of fireworks, which many felt made them poor value for money.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.