YOUTHS who let off fireworks in the street and shopkeepers who sell to under-18s could find themselves getting more than just their fingers burned.

A huge operation involving police, fire and trading standards officers is being launched in the run-up to bonfire night.

Inspector Steve Clark, of Ramsbottom and Tottington Township, who is leading Operation Toucan, warned that those caught misusing fireworks could face prosecution.

Speaking at theRamsbottom and Tottington area board meeting, he said: "The operation is aimed at reducing the nuisance and danger caused by the misuse of fireworks."

In partnership with the council and the Greater Manchester Fire Service, the police are aiming to educate young people as to the dangers of fireworks; to ensure shopkeepers are complying with the law not to sell to under-18s; to target young people who misuse fireworks by setting them off in the street and to reassure members of the public who feel vulnerable and frightened by the use of pyrotechnics.

Insp Clark said: "Between now and bonfire night, we are taking every opportunity to protect the public by dealing with people who are caught flouting the law.

"To this end, police patrols will be giving extra vigilance to the misuse of fireworks, and wherever possible, prosecuting people for offences of, for example, setting off fireworks in the street."

He added: "Police and trading standards officers will be visiting retailers to ensure they understand the law in relation to supplying fireworks. Young people will be used to try and make purchases of fireworks to see whether shopkeepers are breaking the law. If shopkeepers do they risk being fined up to £5,000."