A LANCASHIRE campaign to ban lethal pocket money fireworks has paid off after the Government promised to make 'air bombs' illegal.

Consumer minister Melanie Johnson yesterday announced proposals to ban the 'bombs', which are sold in packs of four for 99p.

The cheap fireworks were introduced after the ban on traditional bangers in 1997, and were immediately condemned by Lancashire County Council's trading standards department.

Rising complaints and injuries prompted the county council to develop a five-point plan to improve firework safety and reduce nuisance complaints.

The plan included banning of 'air bombs', and was backed by John Woodhead, chairman for the British Firework Association.

He said: "The British Fireworks Association has reached agreement with the DTI on measures to deal with the 'air bomb' menace highlighted so clearly in Lancashire Trading Standards' Firework Bulletin.

"Starting next year, Guy Fawkes night and the period around it will be both quieter and safer.

"I, personally, as Chairman of the BFA, am most grateful to Lancashire Trading Standards for actively addressing firework problems and for prompting the firework industry to take this important action."

The ban on the sale of 'air bombs' will come into effect from January 1, initially as a voluntary agreement supported by the British Fireworks Association, followed by a legal ban on sales.