YOUNGSTERS were urged last night not to take any dangerous risks after a North-East teenager lost an eye when a firework exploded in his face.

Craig Dryden was playing with a group of friends near his home when the shooter-style missile went off, leaving him with horrific injuries.

The 14-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was rushed to hospital after the accident on Wednesday night. Surgeons operated but were unable to save his left eye.

With just three weeks to go before Bonfire Night, both Craig's family and the police said his injuries were a shocking example of how fun could quickly turn to tragedy.

It is believed that one of Craig's friends had the firework in his hand and was trying to light it when he suddenly dropped it.

His aunt and guardian, Jacqueline Dryden, 39, said: "Craig is very down at the moment. It's still sinking in and we're still in a state of shock.

"His face had been burned but his eye was in the worst state. It was all swollen up. The best way I can describe it is that he looked like Rocky did after those fights in the film."

She feared that Craig's hopes of joining the armed forces after leaving school had been dashed by the freak accident.

And she warned others: "This is what can happen if you are not careful. We won't be having fireworks ever again. If you do, I just hope this doesn't happen to you."

Durham Police are investigating the incident and forces across the region are urging people to take extra safety measures in the run-up to November 5.

Inspector Bill Bentham, of Darlington police, said yesterday: "It is such a dangerous time. We want to see everyone enjoying it and not getting hurt, so please go to organised displays."

Meanwhile, a £500,000 campaign is also being launched today by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Child Accident Prevention Trust charity, warning youngsters of the dangers of handling sparklers. Celebrations involving sparklers left 132 people needing hospital treatment last year