FIREFIGHTERS and police were called after lighted fireworks were pushed through the letter-box of a flat in Malvern.

The rockets set fire to unopened mail on the floor of the unoccupied flat, setting off a smoke alarm and alerting neighbours.

The incident, which happened in Elgar Avenue on Sunday night, was one of a number this week involving fireworks.

In Pound Bank Road, a large rocket hit the roof of a house and fireworks were set off inside a telephone box on the corner of Pound Bank Road and Wedderburn Road.

Elgar Avenue resident Barbara Pain said it was worrying for people with animals because the fireworks were not confined to bonfire night and it was difficult to know when to keep pets inside.

Cradley horse owner Kate Dean is also warning people of the terror, stress and injuries caused to the animals by fireworks.

She said it was not unreasonable to ask anyone planning to have fireworks to let their neighbours, particularly those with animals, know about it.

"Just a note pushed through neighbours' letter-boxes or a notice in a local shop is all it takes.

"Horses can injure themselves and injure people if they break out from their fields in panic," said Mrs Dean.

"I'm not trying to stop fireworks. My husband was born on bonfire night and loves them. I'm just asking people to show a little respectful consideration," she added.

Sgt Robert Werner de Sondberg, of Malvern Hills police, said fireworks and egg throwing over Halloween and bonfire night had been a frequent combination over the last three years.

To tackle the problem, letters have been sent to school heads asking them to remind pupils of fireworks laws. Local shops have also been advised to dispose of eggs carefully.

Any witnesses to the incident at the flat on Elgar Avenue should call 08457 444888 quoting 497S/161005.

IF you have access to a computer, it couldn't be easier this year to be a good neighbour.

The Malvern Gazette is launching a new online news forum this week.

Not only can you comment on stories which appear in the Gazette, or even submit your own stories, but it would be an ideal place to put in the details of any firework display you might be planning, even if it's just in the back garden!

Just login to http://forums. thisismalvern.co.uk and put in the time and date of your display.

New fireworks legislation has made it a chargeable offence to:

Have fireworks in public if under 18.

Light fireworks after 11pm.

Light or throw fireworks in the street.

Light or throw fireworks that annoy residents.

n Have display fireworks when not a fireworks professional.

Sell or supply fireworks to anyone under 18.