FIRE chiefs in Bury are hoping their first-ever firework amnesty is a sparkling success.

The scheme was launched last Thursday in spectacular style when 1.5 tonnes of dangerous and illegal fireworks were blown upat Holcombe Moor Army Training Camp.

They had been collected by fire crews in Bury and the rest of Greater Manchester in the last few months, to be destroyed in a blaze of glory!

Between April, 2005, and March this year, 19 people were injured - 13 of them seriously - in firework-related incidents.

In a bid to reduce firework accidents this year, the amnesty allows members of the public to dispose of dangerous or unwanted fireworks safely by calling 0800 634 0880 and the fire service will collect them.

It will also minimise the chances of fireworks returning to streets or being set off in houses causing serious injury or damage to property.

Bury's borough fire commander, Kevan Whitehead: said: "We want everyone to have a safe Bonfire Night and ideally attend organised displays.

"Sadly, every year we see examples of how dangerous fireworks be if misused. They are, after all, explosives.

"We have responded to the public's call for assistance in disposing of unwanted fireworks by setting up a freephone number and we will collect and destroy any fireworks that they are concerned about. The fireworks maybe old, suspicious looking, out of date or bought by mistake. We will collect them and destroy them safely."