A VILLAGE bobby has vowed that young people using fireworks illegally will be prosecuted following an incident on a busy green.

PC Keith Todd, the beat officer for Sedgefield has issued the warning after someone let off a large firework containing 19 rockets in the centre of the village.

He said: "Whoever did it placed the firework on the green and ran, leaving it unattended. There was a lot of noise and we had a lot of complaints about it. The people responsible may see this as just a prank but it was not secure and, should it have fallen over, it could have caused someone a serious injury.''

PC Todd has spoken out to highlight new rules on the use of fireworks.

He said: "There are new regulations about fireworks and we intend to enforce them. We want the people of Sedgefield to enjoy themselves but we want them to be aware of the dangers.''

The regulations, which came into effect in August this year, state that nobody under the age of 18 should be in possession of a firework in a public place.

They also prohibit the use of certain fireworks at night.

Anyone wanting to find out about the new regulations can contact PC Todd on (01325) 314401.