CONSUMER watchdogs in North Yorkshire have warned that they will be keeping a close watch on traders who sell fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

A voluntary industry code limits the trade to three weeks before November 5 and a few days afterwards.

The county's trading standards team will carry out spot checks to make sure all stock adheres to safety standards.

Young volunteers under the legal age of 18 will be sent into selected outlets to see if they can make a purchase.

Half the injuries from fireworks involve children under 15 years of age and the county council receives complaints every year about hooliganism and other anti-social behaviour involving fireworks.

In the past few days, youths are thought to have used powerful fireworks to destroy seven phone boxes in York.

North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for trading standards service, Councillor Carl Les, said: "The number of firework injuries which occurred last year fell by 25 per cent from the previous year.

"However, it still concerns me greatly that more than 1,000 people were injured and many of these were before November 5, and involved young people in the 13-to-17-year-old age group, who are not legally entitled to acquire fireworks.

"Fireworks should be enjoyed by everybody and should not lead to young people being scarred for life. If any members of the public have concerns about the illegal sales of fireworks, or if any retailers want further advice, then I would urge them to contact the county council's trading standards service."

The department can be contacted on (01609) 768606.