PUPILS are being told "Don't be a Muppet" as Bury Councils campaign against nuisance fireworks continues.

Some 15,000 straight-talking leaflets have been sent to high schoolchildren asking them if they are a selfish muppet who uses fireworks dangerously or a king of cool who knows the score and enjoys fireworks responsibly.

The leaflet, which reminds youngsters that "hospitals are full of fools who mess with fireworks", also spells out the new laws which make it an offence for anyone under 18 to even have fireworks in their possession. It complements moves promoted by Bury youth offending team and the councils trading standards staff who have led a Good Guy scheme to encourage retailers to refuse sales to anyone who cannot prove they are 18, and who adhere to a new restricted sales period a year ahead of the rule becoming law.

Councillor Maggie Gibb, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "Young people are not stupid but some of them can be reckless and foolish.

"This leaflet spells out the fact that messing around with fireworks can cause themselves, friends, family and others serious injury or death, and land them in court with a fine of up to £5,000."