BROMSGROVE residents are being urged to be safe and make sure bonfire night goes with a bang.

Town police are encouraging people to attend organised bonfires as a majority of injuries occur at private parties or in public places.

Police hope organised events will reduce injuries and incidents of anti-social behaviour. Complaints about nuisance and disturbance increase in the run-up to November 5. Now the police are working with the fire service and Trading Standards to iron out any problems.

The police hope tighter regulations introduced last year, closing a legal loophole which meant teenagers could get an adult to buy fireworks, will be a deterrent.

Most injuries were caused by rockets but a significant number, especially to young children, were caused by sparklers. Police advice on sparklers is to wear gloves and hold them at arm's length. When finished they should be put hot end down in sand or water.

St John Ambulance is urging residents to brush up on first aid and have a fully stocked first aid kit and access to cold water.

Blue Cross adoption centre, in Catshill, is also advising pet owners to plan ahead and ensure their pet is safe during fireworks season.

Big bangs and repeated high pitched noises can be traumatic for animals and every year the charity sees lost, injured and frightened pets.

It is now offering a free leaflet on how to look after your pet including tips on how to protect pets from injury and distress caused by fireworks. It can be downloaded on www.bluecross.org.uk