FOOTBALL teams in the North want to kick firework accidents into touch.

Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington football clubs have joined forces with chief fire and police officers to launch a region-wide fireworks safety radio advertising campaign at the Riverside Stadium yesterday.

Adverts will be broadcast on stations from the Scottish Borders to Teesside, targeting children with the messages that people can be killed, seriously injured and disfigured by fooling around with fireworks.

Carlo Nash, reserve team goalkeeper for Boro, said: "Fireworks can be great fun in the right hands, but if you fool around with them, you could end up getting seriously hurt - or worse. I want young people to enjoy themselves on Bonfire Night and to act responsibly.''

The campaign is being led by the region's Crime and Disorder Partnerships, the fire service, police, councils, trading standards and NHS authorities.

Trading standards officers are visiting shopkeepers to ensure awareness of new regulations and that they are not selling illegal imported fireworks. Those who break the law face prison or a fine up to £5,000.