SHOP owners who have voluntarily agreed not to sell fireworks until three weeks before Bonfire Night are to have their names put on a roll of honour.

Middlesbrough Council said drawing up the roll, which will be displayed, is their way of saying thank you to retailers who "put the peace and quiet of their neighbourhoods before profits".

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive member for public protection, said: "Last year's scheme attracted the support of only 12 retailers in the town.

"This was partly due to the fact that some sellers do not apply to store fireworks until the three-week sale period has begun, so its relevance to them is limited.

"Even so, the numbers signing up were low, given that over 60 shops were licensed.''

However, different methods have been used to ensure that traders were aware of the Responsible Retailer Scheme earlier this year.

The result is 20 shops have signed up to the voluntary delay on the sale of fireworks.