THE emergency services have come together to warn youngsters about the dangers of fireworks as Bonfire Night approaches.

From Monday, representatives of North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services, will be visiting schools to talk to children.

They are also hoping to cut the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism involving fireworks.

Chief Inspector Chris Chelton, of Harrogate police, said: "It is good to know that the number of accidents involving children dropped last year and we want to see that continue this year.

"Working alongside our colleagues in the other emergency services, we will try to ensure that everyone remains safe over the bonfire period."

New legislation is introducing a fireworks curfew, banning dangerous "air bombs" and is putting a greater responsibility on retailers to ensure they are not selling fireworks to under-18s.

Councillor Mike Gardner, chairman of Harrogate and District Safer Communities Partnership, said: "The police and the partnership have written to all local retailers of fireworks, and asked them to reduce the period during which they will sell fireworks in the hope that this will reduce the number of fireworks on the streets and curtail their misuse and anti-social behaviour."