EAST Lancashire's bars and washrooms are being targeted in a new firework safety campaign that has been welcomed by local MPs.

The campaign's message 'Think of the Consequences' is being aimed at men and older teenage boys - the people most likely to be responsible for lighting and looking after fireworks at private parties.

And the £650,000 campaign will see new and innovative means of trying to reach the target audience with the slogan appearing on beer mats and posters in workplace washrooms.

East Lancashire MPs Peter Pike, Nigel Evans and Greg Pope welcomed the campaign, especially as new figures reveal that the North West had the worst record for firework last year with 198 out of the nationwide 1,136 injury accidents.

Launching the campaign Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "The campaign urges people not to cut corners or take unnecessary risks - even if they think they know what they are doing.

"Fireworks are fun when used properly, but evidence shows that people can and do forget to follow the basic safety rules, particularly if they are fairly used to letting off fireworks.

"If people do become complacent, the results can be disastrous."

New laws mean it is illegal for under-18s to have fireworks in the street, that with the exception of Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, the Chinese New Year and the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Police have power to issue on-the-spot £80 fines for lawbreakers while they could prosecute the most serious offences leading to a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months in prison.

Mr Pike said: "I strongly support this campaign and any move to improve firework safety.

"Having the worst record for injuries in the country is not something the North West wants. This is a serious problem and I am glad they are looking at ways of getting the message to a new audience."

Mr Evans said: "People need to be reminded that fireworks are not toys, they are explosives. One incident can kill, maim or mark someone for life."

Mr Pope said: "I am fully behind this campaign. Firework safety is tremendously important. We don't want to ban private fireworks but it is important that people act responsibly."