A STARK message warning of the dangers of fireworks went out yesterday at the launch of a five-week campaign in the run-up to November 5.

Hard-hitting publicity alerting the public to the fact that "Fireworks and bonfires ruin lives in a flash" is being led by Tyne and Wear and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Services and Northumbria Police in partnership with local authorities, the ambulance service and the NHS.

The campaign is targeted at parents and young people and is designed to remind everyone about the dangers of illegal bonfires and fireworks misuse.

The public is also being urged to attend organised fireworks displays instead of building their own bonfires, and parents and shopkeepers are being asked to be vigilant and makes sure that under-18s do not get hold of fireworks.

Ian Bathgate, chief fire officer designate for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are asking the public to play their part in helping us keep everyone safe this Bonfire Night.

"We all know bonfires and fireworks can hurt and kill people so we urge everyone to attend professionally organised displays and report any illegal bonfires that have been built in their locality."

It costs fire and rescue services across the region £2,000 to put out every illegal bonfire started deliberately as well as putting many lives at risk.

Mike Craik, Chief Constable at Northumbria Police said: "We want people to enjoy Bonfire Night, but we will come down hard on people who misuse fireworks and cause injury or distress to others.

"This year, we want people to remember Bonfire Night for all the right reasons, not because they were injured or frightened."

Dougie McDougall, assistant operations manager for the North-East Ambulance Service, said yesterday: "We receive the most calls from people who have had private bonfire and firework events in their own back gardens.

"We tend to respond to a lot of very severe hand and face injuries and burns in both children and adults which can be devastating and in the worst case can kill."

A Durham Police spokesman said that while the force and the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service were not running a specific campaign it would be continuing local initiatives to combat the misuse of fireworks and the setting alight of unauthorised bonfires.

He confirmed that Durham Police would once again be staging what has become one of the most popular Bonfire Night displays in the region at Aykley Heads police headquarters on November 5 beginning at 7pm.

He said: "We would encourage everyone wherever possible to opt for the safest option and attend an organised display.