PEOPLE are being urged to use a dedicated freephone hotline to combat the misuse of fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour.

The phone line can be called from Tuesday next week until November 15 and will deal with information on people building bonfires, the sale of illegal fireworks, the misuse of fireworks and intelligence regarding the illegal sale of alcohol and cigarettes.

Last year, the freephone attracted more than 7,000 calls.

The success of the scheme helped the borough become the only district in the Cleveland Police force area to show a reduction year-on-year of Bonfire Night disorder.

Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Joyce Benbow, said: "We want to get the firework safety message to every section of our community, from schoolchildren to pensioners.

"The freephone number is a key part of our strategy.

We can act but we need good information.

"The more information we receive, the more chance we've all got of enjoying Bonfire Night."

The freephone number is 0800 7311 675.

Trading standards officers are encouraging traders to agree a voluntary restriction on the times when they sell fireworks.

People can report under-age sales of fireworks from residential premises or shops by calling trading standards officials on (01642) 771201.

Families are being encouraged to visit four free organised Teesside displays on Wednesday, November 5.

The four venues are Redcar Racecourse, King George V Playing Fields, at Guisborough, Kingsley Road in Grangetown, and Skinningrove.