"FIREWORKS aren't flashy toys for show-offs: they're explosives and should be treated with respect."

That is the stark warning from Government as parents and children look forward to the annual festival of pyrotechnics commemorating Guy Fawkes's failed plot to blow up Parliament. By taking the right precautions and making sure children do not get their hands on fireworks, everything should be all right on the night. It does not always work out that way, however, with injuries - and worse - occurring year after year.

Consumer and competition minister, Melanie Johnson, said: "Although the number of accidents from fireworks has been decreasing in recent years, we cannot afford to be complacent.

"Last year, two young people were killed in firework accidents and many, many more were injured. Nearly all these accidents could have been prevented if only simple common sense rules had been followed."

That message was echoed by Jo Martin, director of Pershore Fireworks, which has outlets in Pershore and Evesham.

Over the coming weekend, the company is staging major public firework displays at the Vale Country Club and Pershore College, as well as selling fireworks over the counter.

Mrs Martin said most of the accidents that occurred happened when the fireworks had apparently burnt out but were still hot.

"We're recommending that, if you're having sparklers, have a bucket of sand or water nearby and just put them straight into those. It's better than just dropping them on the ground." Underage youngsters attempting to buy fireworks presented another problem for retailers, she added. "They have got to be 18 before they can buy them," Mrs Martin explained.

"We have had so many kids in trying to buy them. They haven't had any form of ID on them so we've been turning them away." She went on: "These kids think you can hold these things in their hands but they are dangerous: they need to be treated with respect."

Mrs Martin advised anyone arranging their own firework parties to make sure there were at least 25m between the fireworks and people watching them. "The other thing I would suggest," she added, "is that they read the safety advice on the fireworks because that is important as well.

"If you're letting a lot of fireworks off I would suggest wearing safety gloves."

Other tips were never to go back to a firework that seems to have fizzled out and leave it until the following morning.

Principal trading standards officer with Worcestershire County Council, Peter Holmes, said: "We urge people to follow the safety instructions on packaging and to follow the fireworks code. "The best way to enjoy fireworks and stay safe is to go to a professionally organised event." Gloucestershire County Council had a similar message. Councillor Jeremy Hilton, responsible for community services, said: "Before you start thinking that an accident involving fireworks is not going to happen to you, consider this.

"Last year, the highest number of injuries in Great Britain - 421 - occurred at family or private parties. "The accident statistics, unfortunately, include six incidents that occurred in Gloucestershire. In four of these cases, the injuries were sustained by children."