REVELLERS marking the work of one of York's most infamous sons are being offered expert safety advice.

Organisers of firework parties are being invited to advice surgeries held by City of York Council, and are being given booklets packed with guidelines.

Adrian Watson, manager of the authority's food and safety unit, said: "We want people to ask themselves if they are really confident that their planning has given priority to safety."

The drive to make sure York's displays are safe follows 972 recorded firework injuries in Britain during bonfire night last year.

"Over half the injuries occurred at small private or semi-public displays and most of these accidents involved children under 13," said Mr Watson.

The advice booklet, How To Get The Best From Your Fireworks Display, is being sent to organisers of small displays who have requested it.

It covers issues such as considering the site, safety planning and how to fix fireworks in the ground.

Councillor Derek Smallwood, the city's executive member for the environment, said: "Our food and safety unit wants to make sure that pubs, village halls, social clubs, Guide and Scout groups, schools and voluntary organisations in York do not contribute any local statistics to this grim national picture."

The next advice surgery, which will be open to everybody, will be held on Wednesday, between noon and 3pm at 9 St Leonard's Place, York.

Mr Watson said: "The difficulty we are facing is that, until nearer fireworks night, we do not know where or when the displays will be.

"Fireworks are very hazardous and event organisers may not have enough knowledge of the risks involved."

ARE you having a bonfire party this November? If so the Evening Press wants to hear about it.

We are doing a special bonfire round-up and are keen to find out what events are taking place in and around York.

Contact Rachel Lacy on 01904 653051 ext 307 or email her at rachel.lacy@ycp.co.uk.

All the details need to be in by noon on Wednesday.

Updated: 11:15 Saturday, October 27, 2001