COUNCIL officials will be helping people stay safe and within the law in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Hartlepool Borough Council's licensing team will be checking on traders to make sure they are following the laws on firework sales, as well as issuing reminders about firework safety.

Dave Barnfather, senior licensing officer, said: "We will be checking shops in Hartlepool to make sure the fireworks are legal and are being stored safely.

"We will also be using undercover child volunteers to catch retailers who flout the law and sell fireworks to children.

"It is an offence to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 and we won't hesitate to take action against people caught selling to children - they face prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000."

Traders are also reminded that national rules, which came into effect earlier this year, limit sales of fireworks to four short periods.

People can only buy fireworks between October 15 and November 10; December 26 to 31; and the three days before both the Chinese New Year and the Hindu festival of Diwali.

It is possible to sell fireworks outside these periods, but that requires applying to the council for a licence.

Under the new rules, the council can refuse or revoke a licence to sell or store fireworks if a person or a shop is not judged to be suitable.

The licensing team is also reminding people of guidelines for firework safety:

* Always follow the Firework Code;

* Remember that alcohol and fireworks do not mix;

* Make sure your garden is suitable and large enough;

* Make sure bonfires are safely and properly sited;

* Bonfires in public spaces are not permitted, unless approved by council.

The public is asked to report unauthorised bonfires in public spaces to the council on (01429) 523333 during office hours or (01429) 869424 out of office hours. The council will arrange to have them removed.

For advice from the licensing team, call (01429) 523354.