A BLIND man whose guide dog was turned into "quivering wreck" by the horrendous boom of bangers and air bombs is backing proposed new laws restricting sales of fireworks.

Robert Hinde has been loyally served for the past three years by four-year-old Lassie, allowing him to get out and about in the Laffak community where he lives.

But during the winter the barrage of noise from firework air bombs, has repeatedly pushed the Golden Labrador into a frenzy of panic. On several occasions, she has been taken to the vet and sedated.

Robert, 64, said: "Sometimes it is so bad she is turned into a quivering wreck. In the run up to Christmas she was petrified when going of the house, and she had to be sedated. And of course, when she is out of action so am I - it really restricts what I can do."

Townsfolk have already demonstrated their disgust at the escalating firework problem when a 4,000-name petition was handed to St Helens North MP, Dave Watts. Now, Robert is urging the public to lobby the town's MPs ahead of a second reading of a Private Members Bill in the House of Commons on February 28. The Bill aims to restrict the noise levels, sale and use of fireworks - but needs 100 MPs to vote in favour of it.

"The firework season is getting longer and longer each year...I want the public to write to our MPs to get them to vote for this Bill."

His claims were echoed by the RSPCA and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, which has mounted a £50,000 name petition calling for fireworks to be regulated.

"Guide Dogs has been overwhelmed with support for this campaign - ranging from pet owners and elderly people to parents with young families." said Robin Hutchinson, from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Anyone wishing for more information about the Bill or wanting to contact their MP can get in touch with Guide Dogs for the Blind Association on 0118 983 8242 or email alison.wade@gdba.org.uk