MP Andy Burnham has welcomed moves to restrict the sale and use of fireworks.

MPs have supported a Private Members Bill at its second reading on Friday to restrict the sale of fireworks. If the Bill becomes law it would restrict the sale of fireworks to three weeks before Bonfire Night and ban their use after 11pm.

The Fireworks Bill, which was brought to the House of Commons by Labour MP Bill Tynan, now stands a real chance of becoming law.

Mr Burnham has campaigned tirelessly for the past 12 months for a crackdown and in January he sent a petition signed by Leigh residents to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

He said: "This is an issue which will be supported by MPs from all parties. It's something which people feel strongly about. They want fireworks to be banned or, at the very least, fireworks sales to be restricted. This is a major issue in the local community and we need to do something about it."