TRADING standards bosses are urging people in North Yorkshire to take care on Bonfire Night.

There was a 40 per cent rise in firework-related accidents in the UK last year.

This year, the agency responsible for policing consumer issues is hoping common sense will prevail.

"The injury statistics highlight the need for close supervision of children and the need to maintain safe distances," said trading standards officer Stuart Pudney.

"Too many people still don't appreciate that fireworks are not toys, they are explosives and should be handled with respect.

"One of our major concerns 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. If your garden isn't that long, make sure you buy smaller fireworks. The safe distance will be marked on the firework itself and on the box."

Mr Pudney praised retailers for a responsible approach to fireworks this year.

"The results of our test purchases using young volunteers have been positive. Of the 28 tests done across the county, only one retailer in the Scarborough area sold fireworks to a person under the age of 18. Retailers should therefore be commended for their vigilance so far and continue to be cautious."