WARNINGS about the dangers of fireworks have been underlined by two incidents in which the doors were blown off telephone boxes in the centre of Bedale.

Trading standards officers in North Yorkshire have warned teenagers not to fool around with fireworks in the street and have reminded shopkeepers to be responsible and to comply with legislation to avoid the possibility of a heavy fine for selling to people under 18.

The Bedale incidents involved two old-style red telephone kiosks outside the NatWest bank and the post office at the weekend.

Police believe that fireworks let off in the confined spaces caused explosions powerful enough to blow the heavy doors off both boxes.

A police spokesman said: "They were believed to have been local youths and inquiries are on-going to try to find out where the fireworks might have been obtained.

"Fortunately no one was injured, but that might not have been the case if a member of the public had been walking into one of these boxes."

Trading standards officers are advising the public to follow the firework code more closely than ever this year, following a 40pc increase in the number of firework injuries nationally last year, the highest total since 1995.

In a special warning to teenagers, Stuart Pudney, head of trading standards, said: "Fooling around with fireworks in the street may seem like fun at the time but it can have serious and long-lasting consequences for those involved."

He said retailers across the county should be commended for their vigilance so far and should continue to be cautious. Of 28 tests across the county, only one retailer in the Scarborough area sold fireworks to a person under 18.

Mr Pudney added: "Injury statistics highlight the need for close supervision of children and the need to keep safe distances. Too many people still do not appreciate that fireworks are not toys."

A major concern this year is that people are buying fireworks that are too large for their gardens. "The larger fireworks on sale to the public are only safe if spectators can stand 25 metres away," said Mr Pudney