THE owners of Darlington’s newest fireworks shop have shared their tips on how to have a safe Bonfire Night.

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

The fireworks experts have been putting on displays around the North-East for a number of years and are now hoping to share some of their expertise with new customers.

With public displays cancelled this year, more people are likely to be setting off fireworks at home.

Here are some of their tips for doing it safely:

  •  IF YOU ARE UNSURE—ASK! We are here to offer professional advice
  • · ALWAYS light fireworks at arms length
  • · ALWAYS secure fireworks correctly
  • · ALWAYS read the instructions
  • · ONLY BUY FIREWORKS THAT CARRY A CE MARK.

Securing a cake, barrage or compound

· Hit a wooden stake into the ground with a hammer.

· Put the cake next to it on the ground, the right way up (as shown by the label)

· Secure the cake to the stake.

· OR dig your cake into the ground

If you have a fan cake make sure it faces the correct direction - look for the arrow.

Securing a Rocket

Your rockets will be supplied with a plastic tube. This is used to safely load the rockets for firing.

· Push the tube into the ground, ensuring it is secure.

· Load the rocket into the tube ensuring it is a loose fit. If its too tight the rocket will not lift causing it to explode too low.

· Expose the match for easy lighting

If the stick is cracked or broken, do not use