CHORLEY MP Lindsay Hoyle has joined other North West representatives in supporting a Bill to end the misery caused by fireworks.

Along with Blackburn's Jack Straw, Burnley's Peter Pike and Rossendale and Darwen's Janet Anderson, he has expressed his delight that a Private Members Bill that will regulate the sale and use of fireworks has received its second reading in the Commons.

The Bill has been supported by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, which says that fireworks cause untold misery for their members every year.

"The massive increase in the use of fireworks over the last few years continues to cause great distress and disruption to hundreds and thousands of people across the country," said Robin Hutchinson, head of communications at the Association. "For many guide dog owners who are forced to sedate, retrain or even retire their dogs because of the irresponsible use of fireworks, this development will come as a huge relief."

The Bill, backed by the Government, seeks to ban fireworks or restrict sales, making it harder for young thugs to terrorise residents, pets and animals.

Under the Bill, firework sales would be confined to a three week period around November 5.