Children warned about the dangers of fireworks (From Gazette & Herald)

Children warned about the dangers of fireworks

TEENAGERS will be illuminated about firework safety in Ryedale when fire and police officers make a tour of secondary schools.

Primary schools will also get a call to alert pupils to the dangers on November 5.

Sgt Cliff Edens from Malton police station said that the law does not allow for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks.

"It's all about staying safe," he said.

"Fireworks are not toys and it's now illegal to set them alight after 11pm at night other than on Bonfire Night."

The community safety partnership Safer Ryedale is also backing up the emergency service safety messages with the support of North Yorkshire Trading Standards Officers.

Ana Richards, Community Safety Manager with Safer Ryedale, said another part of the stay safe plan was to visit those businesses licensed to sell fireworks.

"Those selling fireworks have considerable legal responsibilities," she said.

"Not only do they have to store them correctly, but they are also liable for prosecution if they are found to have sold fireworks to anyone under 18."

Danny Westmoreland, the Ryedale group manager with North Yorkshire's Fire and Rescue Service, has personal experience of the serious injuries they can cause.

"I know of a boy who had to have a skin graft after a tiny firework exploded in his pocket.

"Fireworks can blind you if they explode in your face and it's so easy to become careless, so always plan your display carefully."

Schools in Ryedale have been asked to include safety advice in any newsletters going out to parents.

In addition, police officers will be making additional evening patrols to ensure fireworks are not being set off after 11pm at night or being lit in inappropriate areas causing alarm among residents.

Sgt Cliff Edens said anyone with concerns about fireworks should contact the police on 0845 6060247.

Updated: 16:17 Thursday, October 27, 2005