PEOPLE are being urged to use a freephone hotline next week to help to combat the misuse of fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour.

The phone line can be called from Tuesday until November 15 and will deal with information on people building bonfires, the sale of illegal fireworks, misuse of fireworks and illegal alcohol and cigarette sales.

The freephone set up by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which attracted more than 7,000 calls last year, helped the borough become the only district in the Cleveland Police force area to show a reduction year-on-year of Bonfire Night incidents.

Cabinet member for community safety, Joyce Benbow, said: "We want to get the firework safety message to every section of our community.

"The freephone number is a key part of our strategy. We can act - but we need good information. The more information we receive, the more chance we've all got of enjoying Bonfire Night."

The freephone number is (0800) 7311675.

Families are being encouraged to visit four free organised firework displays on Wednesday, November 5, at Redcar Racecourse, King George V Playing Fields at Guisborough, Kingsley Road in Grangetown and Skinningrove.