COUNCIL safety chiefs are getting all fired up to ensure that Bonfire Night does not end in tragedy.

Schools across Bolton are currently being sent information packs bearing the message "Fireworks are explosives. Get wise or get hurt."

Last year the BEN mounted a campaign to get the sale of fireworks in shops banned in a bid to prevent the injuries and misery they cause. The BEN stated that fireworks should be restricted to private displays only.

In Bolton last year firefighters were called to 77 incidents, compared with 90 two years earlier.

The police investigated 126 firework incidents including people throwing fireworks in the street and the illegal re-sale of fireworks.

A dozen people were treated for injuries at the Royal Bolton Hospital but there were no attacks of firefighters and police attending fireworks incidents. The council's Environment Services department investigated 20 bonfires and had to have 10 removed because they were dangerous.

This year Bolton's firefighters will be visiting schools to hammer home the safety message.

Trading Standards officers will be touring shops across Bolton to remind staff that new Government legislation makes it an offence to sell fireworks to anyone under 18.

Officers say they have already had half-a-dozen complaints from members of the public about fireworks being sold to children under the age of 18. A spokesman said: "This year we will be carrying out test purchases using children but we are still recruiting children to help out.

"We will send the children in to buy fireworks and if they are successful we then target the shop again and if they sell again they could be looking at a £5,000 fine."

Last year there were no prosecutions for fireworks being sold to children and Trading Standards are hoping for the same responsible attitude from shopkeepers.

"Another thing parents need to look out for are imported fireworks that do not apply to British standards and could be dangerous. When buying fireworks people must look for British Standards 7114 which will be on them somewhere.

"The other thing to be aware of is professional fireworks which should not be sold to the public. We had few reports of these in the wrong hands, they are more powerful than shop-bought fireworks and could be extremely dangerous."

In the run up to the big night people will be given the chance to register their bonfire with the council allowing fire and safety bosses to have a record of what is taking place.

To register your bonfire with the council you can contact 01204 334085. Anyone who is worried about a particular bonfire can contact the council's 24-hour hotline on 01204 336600 and it will be inspected.