Tighter restrictions should be introduced to control the sale of fireworks, according to Oxfordshire county councillors.

Members of the council's executive board have agreed to ask the Government for new legislation which will help control the sale and use of fireworks.

At the board meeting, councillors were told that in 2001 there were 1,362 accidents caused by fireworks nationwide, with children under 18 accounting for almost two-thirds of injuries.

Neil Fawcett, executive member for learning and culture, told Tuesday's meeting that some fireworks could be compared to weapons.

Anne Purse, executive member for waste, added: "The fireworks season seems to go on and on, and a lot of people spend a whole fortnight caring for trembling animals."

Councillors agreed to call for a reduction in the size of fireworks available by a ban on the sale of category three fireworks, other than to registered event organisers.

Most category three fireworks require a 25m safety zone, and trading standards officers believe they are unsuitable for garden use.

Councillors are also seeking a requirement that all events at which large fireworks are used should be registered with the council.

Nigel Strick, head of the county council's trading standards department, said: "Some of the fireworks being sold legally across the counter are huge explosives. We would prefer people to only attend organised events."