CAMPAIGNERS battling for tougher laws on fireworks are challenging a Government minister to a face-to-face meeting in a bid for action.

Three women battling to sweep away laws dating back to 1875 say mayhem caused in the run up to this year's Bonfire Night and for days afterwards, has spurred them into united action.

Harrogate-based campaigner Marjorie Johnson, who has the backing of more than 4,000 people calling for new laws to curb ever-bigger explosives, has linked up with shopkeeper Pearl Hall, from South Bank, Middlesbrough, and Elizabeth Hellmich, of Bradford, West Yorkshire.

Mrs Johnson said: "There is massive support for action - but we cannot get the Government to move on the issue. When we complain, they just send us fact sheets about fireworks.

"That is not good enough. I have linked up with other regional campaigners in a move to put more pressure on the Government because they obviously aren't listening."

Mrs Johnson said she was now writing to consumer minister Melanie Johnson in a bid to secure a Whitehall meeting.

"There are horror stories of what fireworks are doing to people and their pets all over the country," she said.

"We want action that will count."

Messages of support have been pouring in to Mrs Johnson amid reports of fireworks being thrown at cars, into homes and causing damage to public buildings.