Safety groups in Oxfordshire have joined forces this year to warn people about the dangers of fireworks.

On average fireworks on Bonfire Night cause 1,000 injuries across the country each year, often as a result of displays put on by families or small parties.

Staff from Oxfordshire County Council's Fire Service and Trading Standards department, along with Oxfordshire Ambulance Service, met yesterday at Rewley Road Fire Station, Oxford, to demonstrate the potential dangers of fireworks.

The safe use of sparklers is being particularly emphasised this year. They can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius.

Community development officer Judith Johnson said: "Large numbers of children were injured last year, many under four-years-old. We are trying to get the message across about how dangerous these fireworks, that they should never be given to children under the age of five, and that older children should be supervised at all times."