AN MP has backed calls for tougher regulations on fireworks.

Dari Taylor was in the House of Commons last Friday to support a Private Members' Bill on the issue, which she also backed when it was read for the first time in January.

Mrs Taylor, MP for Stockton South, has been inundated with letters from people whose lives have been hit by excessive and often reckless use of fireworks.

Elderly residents, in particular, have been affected, including cases where lighted bangers have been pushed through letterboxes.

Householders have also complained about the impact on pets.

There have been horrific reports of cats and dogs left injured, and even killed, through having fireworks tied to their bodies.

"These appalling barbarities have been perpetrated by a small group of youths, some as young as eight," said Mrs Taylor.

"Clearly, they got the fireworks illegally, and an investigation by Stockton trading standards identified some shopkeepers were breaking the law.

"The Bill will add only a small control on the sale and use of fireworks, but however small, I will support it."

"It is crucial for many in our community that action is taken to prevent sales to juniors, to restrict the period during which fireworks are on sale, to prevent abuse of these often dangerous explosives - frankly, to give people the privacy they deserve."