FIREWORKS go on sale in the UK today, but parents are being warned to be wary of the dangers.

The Department of Trade and Industry has issued the warning, after 177 people were injured by fireworks in Yorkshire and the North last year.

The move also follows a weekend of fireworks-related vandalism which terrified householders and left phone boxes wrecked on the east of the city.

Although fireworks injuries nationwide last year were 25 per cent down on the previous year, hospitals still treated 88 children under five in 2002.

Officers from York Fire Station have reiterated the Government's warning.

Sub-officer Richard Riley, of York Fire Station, said: "It is a commonsense thing - the advice we give is stand well back and get parents to let them off.

"We would advise everyone to go to organised parties where people are trained to handle fireworks, as opposed to having them in your back garden.

"Obviously that is not always as much fun, but it is better to be safe than sorry."

Even sparklers can be dangerous, causing injury to 122 people last year. A series of TV adverts will be shown in the run-up to Bonfire Night to remind parents that sparklers should be used sensibly.

Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Bonfire Night celebrations should be fun, but always remember fireworks are explosives and can be a hazard if not handled with care.

"Even a simple sparkler can reach temperatures of 1,000 C - that's ten times the temperature of boiling water.

"Teenagers thinking of messing around with fireworks this year should also think again. They are the most likely age group to end up in casualty departments."

Child Accident Prevention Trust chief executive Katrina Phillips said: "Our advice to parents is to supervise young children closely. That way you should be able to enjoy fireworks night without ending up rushing your child to hospital."

The Government's advice for safe use of sparklers:

Never give sparklers to under-fives

Never hold a baby or child if you have a sparkler in your hand

Always supervise young children closely

Always light sparklers one at a time

Avoid dressing children in loose clothes that could catch fire easily

Steer clear of alcohol if you're running a display or looking after children

Once a sparkler is finished, plunge the hot end down into a bucket of soil or water.

Updated: 10:44 Monday, October 13, 2003