STAY safe on Bonfire Night is the advice from Lancashire's chief fire officer, Peter Holland.

"Fireworks and bonfires give a great deal of pleasure and enjoyment to all sections of the community, but especially to children," he said. "Unfortunately, fun can soon turn to tragedy.

"By following a few simple rules this can be avoided and the evening can end happily.

"In 1997 between October 1 and November 10 firefighters were called to 1,157 bonfires that had got out of control, while firework injuries still continue to keep Lancashire hospital's accident and emergency departments among the busiest in the country on Bonfire Night.

"Follow the following firework and bonfire safety advice and keep yourself and your family out of harm's way."

Buy fireworks that meet BS7114 and keep them in a closed box.

Read the instructions on the firework and do exactly what they say.

Light fireworks at arm's length using a taper and never a naked flame.

Stand well back.

Never go back to a firework once it's been lit.

Never put fireworks in pockets.

Never throw fireworks.

A sparkler burns at temperatures five times higher than the coals of a barbecue. Always light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves to hold them.

Never give sparklers to children under five.

Keep pets indoors.

Never drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks.

Nominate responsible persons who are not drinking alcohol to take charge of late-night displays.

If guests at your party are drinking alcohol keep them away from fireworks.

Consider limiting the availability of alcoholic drinks until the fireworks have been set off.

Wherever possible, attend a properly organised bonfire and firework display.

If a bonfire is set to be at home, a responsible adult must be in control.

Set the fire well away from property, overhanging trees cables and combustible materials.

Wood for the fire should be kept away from it and only add small quantities at a time.

Do not burn rubbish such as aerosol cans, tins of paint or bottles - these are likely to explode and can cause severe injury to bystanders.

Don't use petrol, paraffin or white spirit to light bonfires.

When the bonfire is over, douse the embers with water and check the surrounding area for signs of small fires which may have been started.

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