AN animal lover has slammed a supermarket's decision to sell fireworks for New Year celebrations.

Frances Davies, aged 73, who has 11 pet cats, said her animals have suffered constant distress since September, when fireworks first appeared in the shops.

One of her cats died of a heart attack after the constant explosions proved too much.

Mrs Davies, of Parr Close, Farnworth, said she was relieved when Bonfire Night had passed, only to discover Morrisons supermarket is planning to sell fireworks from December 15.

She said: "I am not old fashioned, I am young at heart but I think it is getting ridiculous. There have been constant bangs since September and my pets have been very frightened.

"My friends who live close by have four dogs and they told me they have been going berserk. If the supermarket wants to stock fireworks for the New Year celebrations, then why not stock them a few days before instead of selling them from December 15.

"I would not mind an organised display but having fireworks on sale for so long is dangerous. They are noisy and put animals and children at risk."

Last month the BEN revealed how, in the run-up to Bonfire Night, a 78-year-old Great Lever woman was terrorised by youths hurling fireworks at her home.

The report prompted Bolton North-east MP David Crausby to call in the House of Commons for a ban on the sale of fireworks from shops.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: "We have responded to Mrs Davies and explained to her our reasons for selling the fireworks. There is a big demand for fireworks for the New Year and we always sell them responsibly.

"They are very popular and we are are just meeting demand. We have not been selling them continuously since Bonfire Night and are using a two-week selling time."