SOME of the most fun to be had in autumn for children (and adults!) is around Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Community Safety Partnership members Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Mercia Police are carrying out a series of special assemblies in Wyre Forest high schools to highlight bonfire and firework safety to Year 7 students (aged 11 and 12) in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Halloween and the need to trick or treat responsibly is also covered. Our primary concern is that children of all ages can enjoy Bonfire Night in safety. CSA Caroline Webster and CSO Vanessa Halford are going into schools to remind young people about the Firework Code and to give them some statistics about firework- related injuries that we hope will make them think twice about their own safety as well as that of family, friends and even pets.

They will also be highlighting how much safer it is to go along to an organised bonfire and firework display, rather than holding a celebration at home.

These safety messages also apply to those using fireworks, as they celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, which takes place around the same time as Bonfire Night If you are not visiting an organised display for your November 5 celebrations, and you do have fireworks, please make sure you follow the rules below: Before they explode – read the code! Make sure they are marked BS 7114 and keep them in a sealed box or tin l Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately.

l Never put fireworks in your pocket.

l Read the instructions carefully, using a torch. Never use a naked flame.

l Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper or firework lighter.

l Stand well back and never return to a firework after it has been lit – it could explode in your face.

l Never throw fireworks.

l Keep pets indoors.

l Letting off fireworks after 1am, following Bonfire Night 2010 and after 11pm on other nights around Halloween and Bonfire Night is an offence.

l Be careful with sparklers – they can reach a temperature of 2,000 degrees – wear gloves and never give them to a child under five. They stay hot for a long time, so have a bucket of water or sand to put them out.

Please follow these tips and have a safe and enjoyable evening.

HELEN DYKE Chairman Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership