THOUSANDS of free tickets are being distributed to an organised fireworks display, to ensure a safe November 5.

A total of 10,000 tickets are being given away - to a maximum of five per person applying - in the run up to the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council display on Redcar Racecourse.

According to the council, tickets are already going fast through the town's business centre, council offices and selected high street shops.

Everyone must have a ticket as there will be no admission on the night without one.

The racecourse gates will be open at 6pm with entertainment from 6.30pm, fireworks from 7pm and a licensed bar between 6pm and 9pm.

The event is one of four across the borough, the other sites being Grangetown, Guisborough and Skinningrove.

* Thousands of thrill-seekers will once again descend on Stockton for Teesside's biggest Bonfire Night fireworks display on Tuesday.

The highlight of the free event will be a stunning fireworks display by pyrotechnics expert G2.

As a prelude, the fun starts at 6.30pm with 96.6TFM and Magic 1170, who will be keeping the crowd warmed up with a stream of hits. Work has already started on setting up the radio stations' sound-stage at Stockton Riverside.

To avoid traffic chaos near the Riverside site, diversions for cars will be signposted on Teesdale, over the river, via Station Road and Yale Crescent.

People needing access from Teesdale are also warned that the Princess of Wales Bridge will be closed from 9.30am to 10pm on Tuesday. Pedestrians should use either the Millennium Footbridge or Victoria Bridge.

Council officials in Hartlepool have joined forces with the town's football club in an innovative bid to promote firework safety.

A minute-long warning about the dangers of fireworks and advice on safety will be aired over the public address system during half-time at tonight's third division match between Hartlepool United and York City.

Michael Welsh, Hartlepool Borough Council's principal trading standards officer, said: "I'd like to thank the club for providing this opportunity which should certainly help us get our message across.

"Our message is simple - fireworks are explosives so get wise or get hurt."

A spokesman for Hartlepool United FC said: "We are only too happy to be co-operating with the council if it reduces the risk of people being injured."