A PAIR of fireworks-loving entrepreneurs are warning of the dangers of black markets products this Bonfire Night.

Jenny Whittaker and Craig Emerson, who own Illumination Pyrotechnics, opened their first shop in Darlington this month.

The pair have been creating displays for public events like Bonfire Night and Christmas lights switch-ons, Whitby Regatta and weddings, for several years have seen all of this year's bookings delayed because of the coronavirus.

They decided to open the store in Parkgate just before the first lockdown in March.

Ms Whittaker said: "We had quite a good year last year so we had some money to get started but it's been bonkers with lockdown.

"Gradually it's got worse and worse. Every one of our bookings for this year is now next year or the year after so we needed to have some kind of income.

"The sad part is there hasn't been a lot of help for the events industry. We got a bit of help because of the shop but nowhere near what is needed."

She added: "One of the reasons we wanted to do it this year was because we knew potentially displays wouldn't go ahead so we knew there would be an uptick in fireworks at home.

"There's a huge black market industry of unsafe products which get sold with no guidance or expertise. It's worrying because people will go for cheap products but they are not safe and they are illegal. They are the ones that can blow up in your face.

"The people in our shop will give you high quality products and they will tell you how to use them safely.

"It's really important for us that we give that service as well. Unfortunately they are killing an industry which is already under a lot of scrutiny.

"Lots of activists think all fireworks are bad but they're not if they are used in the right way. They can be a way to celebrate a day in history."

They are urging people planning their own displays to buy from licensed sellers and says people are welcome to come into the shop for advice, even if they do not buy their products.

Ms Whittaker added: "If people want advice and want to know what it safe they are welcome to pop in. We don't expect everyone to buy our products.

"We want people to be able to celebrate and enjoy fireworks and if they are not sure they can have a chat with us.

"Events are always going to be huge for us but the retail side is us being able to pass on some knowledge so everyone can be safe."

The pair used lockdown to do all the work needed to get the shop ready to open themselves and have worked hard to make it covid-secure, with an open plan layout and products kept in cabinets so customers cannot handle them.