A 21-YEAR-old Bromley Cross man is urging people to watch for the "hidden" dangers of Bonfire Night tomorrow after a freak firework accident changed his life.

Steven Miller, of Ramwells Brow, Bromley Cross was at a private bonfire party in Irlam with his 19-years old girlfriend Victoria Heap two years ago when a large rocket hit him in the face.

It had been let off at a "safe" distance from where he was standing, chatting to friends. But when the firework exploded in the air, its stick came down and hit him in the face with such force that it smashed his cheekbone and left eye.

Surgeons at Manchester Eye Hospital carried out a four-hour operation to try to repair the damage, and he also had to undergo two further operations.

But, although Steven's facial scars have healed, he has lost the sight of his left eye. And the frightening incident has left a sad legacy. At the time of the accident, Steven was a joiner with a local firm.

But following the accident, it was 12 months before he could return to the job, and then he found that some of the moving jobs he had to carry out became too awkward with his restricted sight.

His balance was damaged and working up ladders became impossible. After trying work at another joinery firm, Steven was recently forced to give up the trade altogether. Now he is studying at Bolton Metro College's Manchester Road centre for a National Diploma in building.

He said: "Tomorrow I'll either stay indoors, or just go out to the pub for a quiet drink."

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