A crackdown on unsafe fireworks has been launched by a West Sussex watchdog in a bid to cut down on bonfire night accidents.

Last year, firework-related injuries rose by a fifth. Children and young people were harmed in more than half of firework accidents.

Now trading standards officers are to visit shops across the county to make sure fireworks on sale are safe, properly stored and not sold to people under 18-years-old.

People are also being asked to attend public displays rather than hold their own bonfire parties, but those who want to have a private show are advised to follow the firework code when handling them.

Head of West Sussex trading standards, Patrick Bligh-Cheesman, said: "National statistics show that private parties and incidents in the street are the place where most injuries occur.

"Because of this, we would urge consumers to attend organised displays for additional safety.

"Any residents planning their own private displays are advised to follow the firework code. Remember all fireworks should be marked as complying with British Standard BS7114:1988."

Minister for Consumer and Corporate Affairs Kim Howells, said: "Last year over half the injuries caused by fireworks were to schoolchildren - despite the fact that the law prohibits the sale of fireworks to people under 18-years of age."

Fire chiefs have backed the advice of trading standards and issued a safety check list for people who do insist on holding firework parties.

Assistant Divisional officer Roger Wood said: "A large number of accidents involving fireworks occur at family displays held at home and it is important to remember that fireworks are explosives and can cause serious or even fatal injuries if they are not handled correctly."

Safety advice includes:

Never light the bonfire using flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin.

Ensure that the bonfire is fully extinguished before going back indoors.

Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin and use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately.

Never put fireworks in your pocket.

Never use a naked flame to light fireworks - light them at arm's length using a taper or a firework lighter.