A CONFIDENTIAL free telephone hotline is being opened in a bid to combat firework misuse.

People will be able to use the 24-hour service to report illegal sales of fireworks, firework nuisance - and even illegal bonfires.

The hotline number 0800 389 7223 will be open from October 14 to January 14. It is being set up by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and will cover east Cleveland.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, the council's lead member for community safety said: "There is no doubt at all that the sale of fireworks to under 18s is a contributory factor to the problems of anti-social behaviour associated with the lead up to bonfire night.

"That may be several weeks away but no-one will need telling that the problems are already starting.''

So far, there has been support from more than 50 retailers who have signed up to a partnership initiative between Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's trading standards unit and the Redcar and Cleveland Community Safety Partnership.

The code includes a ban on the sale of fireworks until three weeks before November 5, and explains the legislation covering their sale.

Shop staff are urged as part of the code to refuse to sell to anyone if they have doubts that the fireworks will not be used responsibly.

Police spot checks and fire brigade inspections of premises are also being stepped up. As already reported, neighbouring Middlesbrough Council is calling on retailers to agree not to sell fireworks until three weeks before November 5 and to only start sales for New Year celebrations on December 27.

The scheme is a bid to limit noise nuisance as well as accidents with fireworks.