Have fun but don't let your children get hurt - that's the advice from fire chiefs as Bonfire Night approaches.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is issuing guidance to families to make sure that everyone has a good time next weekend, without getting hurt.

Firefighters have issued the warning because more than 350 pre-school children in the UK have been treated in hospital for fireworks injuries in the past five years. There have been no major accidents in Oxfordshire in recent years.

Peter Cleary, the county fire service's risk reduction manager, said: "Having fireworks at home can be great fun as long as they are used safely.

"Sadly, figures show that more children than adults get hurt by fireworks.

"As part of our ongoing 365 Alive safety campaign, we're offering advice to families so they can enjoy themselves and stay safe at the same time."

Firefighters say fireworks should always be bought from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards - they should have BS 7114 written on the box.

Fireworks should never be bought from car boot sales, unlicensed market stalls or the back of a van.

And sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil - they are not toys and should not be given to children under the age of five.

Ray Jelf, the county council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "If everyone observes these simple guidelines, they will be able to enjoy their family bonfires without experiencing a tragic accident on the night. Children love fireworks but it's up to their parents to keep them safe."

It is an offence for under-18s to possess fireworks in a public place and to throw or set off fireworks in a street or public place.

This year, Oxford's annual fireworks extravaganza in South Park should go with an extra bang after Max Mason, of the Big Bang restaurant in Walton Street sponsored the 39th annual display. The event is organised by the Oxford Round Table.

This year's display is on Saturday, November 4, with gates to the park off Morrell Avenue opening at 5pm and the display starting at 6.30pm.

It is one of the biggest charity fundraising events in the city, attracting more than 12,000 people and raising about £25,000 for Oxford charities.

The 365 Alive campaign is a 10-year strategy based on the emergency response, community and partnership work of Oxfordshire Fire Service. It aims to cut the number of road deaths and other fatalities by educating the public.

By the year 2016, it should result in 365 more people being alive and 840,000 people being safer.