NEW hard-hitting safety measures have been introduced to reduce the number of injuries caused by fireworks.

For most, Bonfire Night involves wrapping up warm and watching the sky being lit up with colour while eating toffee apples. But for the less sensible it can include a trip to the local casualty department.

The national campaign, headed by the slogan 'fool with fireworks and bang goes your image', warns teenagers planning to play with fireworks to think again.

The action plan has been launched after the number of injuries among young teenagers rose by more than 50 per cent last year - the biggest increase for seven years. More than 258 injuries were recorded in hospitals in the North East alone.

Consumer Minister for the Department of Trade and Industry, Melanie Johnson, announced the new measures. They include a proposed ban on air bombs, a fixed penalty of up to £40 for over-18's caught throwing fireworks in the streets and a crackdown on the illegal trading of fireworks.

Local councils will also be able to use their powers to curb the problem of noise and nuisance caused by the misuse of fireworks.

Ms Johnson said: "We all want to enjoy the fireworks season, but too often this time of year is blighted by problems of fireworks misuse, noise and nuisance.

"It's vital we crack down on this problem, but also educate people to make sure they know the consequences of the anti-social use of fireworks.

"Teenagers thinking of messing around with fireworks this year should think again. They are likely to spend Bonfire Night in casualty departments or worse."

Anyone handling fireworks is asked to bear in mind that they are explosives and can cause serious damage.