CLEVELAND Fire Brigade has issued statistics from last year's Bonfire Night period showing dozens of people were taken to hospital.

The brigade's arson reduction and fire investigation manager, Steve Johnson, said 65 people were taken to hospitals in Middlesbrough over a three-week period last year after sustaining bonfire or firework-related injuries.

The most common injury was burns to hands, which happened to 22 people, while seven others suffered injuries to their face.

The study, carried out between October 22 and November 12, last year, also shows there were 196 deliberate rubbish fires in Cleveland.

Call the brigade on 01429-874063 to arrange a visit to your home or for advice.