SAFETY first on Bonfire Night is the message from A&E doctors at Warrington Hospital.

Despite annual warnings, November 5 still ends in disaster for far too many families even though fireworks, if used correctly, can provide fun and entertainment for people at a time of year when the evenings are dark and gloomy.

Dr Dave Geggie, A&E consultant, said: “Burns are not the only injuries we see on Bonfire week, we often see people with sprains and fractures caused by uneven ground at bonfires held in fields. These are often caused by wearing inappropriate footwear. So make sure that you wear boots with ankle support and not high heels!

“We also see an increase in people suffering from chest conditions, which are often triggered by cold air and the inhalation of the smoke from the bonfires. If you are asthmatic please make sure that you take an adequate supply of your inhaler with you.”

The safest way to watch fireworks is at a professional show, not by setting them off at home. When viewing a display, stay behind the safety barriers and select a safe viewing distance at least 500 feet away.

If you do decide to hold your own display buy fireworks that meet British Standards, stand back and light them at arm’s length and wear gloves when using sparklers.