COUNCIL officials say they will dismantle unauthorised bonfires.

And they have set up a hotline for people to report "illegal or nuisance" bonfires.

Blackburn with Darwen council is working with the fire service and police in a bid to reduce accidents in the run up to Guy Fawkes' night.

It is also a bid to get more people to come to official events, like the annual bonfire at Witton Park on Saturday, November 3.

Peter Hunt, director of environment, said: "We want people to enjoy bonfire night safely and responsibly and would urge them to attend an organised event, rather than build their own bonfires which could become targets for fly tipping and become dangerous."

Call 01254 585921 between 8.30am and 6pm weekdays and 8am and noon on Saturday to report a bonfire.