AN anti-fireworks campaigner has said that proposed legal restrictions do not go far enough.

Shopkeeper Pearl Hall, from South Bank, on Teesside, is calling for a complete ban on shop sales of fireworks.

The battling 82-year-old, who recently spelt out her ideas to MPs in London, is unimpressed by the proposed clampdown to tighten the definition, and prohibit the supply of, air bombs and mini rockets.

A retailer's obligation to check if a customer is over 18 is underlined under the planned legislation.

Shopkeepers will be required, if in doubt, to ask for proof of age, as is the case with cigarettes and alcohol.

Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Air bombs are a cheap pocket money firework.

"The industry took the initiative to remove these products from the market and we are honouring our undertaking at the time to turn the voluntary ban into law.

"By making it harder for under- 18s to get hold of them and other fireworks, we are continuing to tackle the issue of firework safety and their anti-social-use, stopping young people being a danger to themselves and others."

Mrs Hall said: "This was all announced by the industry last year. We are not hearing anything new.

"It's like a form of terrorism. If these louts don't like the look of someone they meet in the street, they just throw a firework at them.''

She said fireworks should be restricted to organised, professional displays. There is to be a 12- week consultation period before the restrictions go forward for legislation.