AN MP today stepped up his campaign for a total ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.

Bolton North East MP David Crausby made the demand as the Government today launched its annual firework safety campaign.

He said that issuing warnings was not good enough and only a complete ban would stop serious injuries and deaths.

Worried pensioners and pet owners face weeks of misery from today as Bonfire Night fireworks officially go on sale. Fireworks have already been set off across the town for several days.

Despite a BEN campaign two years ago and unsuccessful efforts by Bolton Council to ban the sale of fireworks for private use, no government action has yet been taken.

This summer an all party group of MPs, including Bolton's David Crausby and Brian Iddon, was formed in an attempt to press ministers to tighten legislation. Last year two boys from London and Burnley were killed by fireworks and in the North West 181 people were injured -- more than in any other region. The Department of Trade and Industry today launched its annual firework safety campaign. This year it concentrates on trying to prevent injuries to teenagers, who are more likely than anyone to be killed or hurt by fireworks.

But Mr Crausby says the campaign does not go far enough. He is calling for a total ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public. "We want action not just words," he said. "It is not enough just to issue warnings."

He added that he was disappointed that the Government had not yet made any move to improve fireworks laws.

"Year after year we are getting more injuries," he said.

Each year he also gets several letters from constituents whose pets are traumatised by the noise of fireworks and elderly people who are afraid.

"It goes on for weeks and weeks and it is completely unacceptable," he said.

"And there is no justification for selling fireworks after the event."

Although he does not want a total ban on private fireworks, Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon says he would like to see greater rules preventing the public sale of larger, noisier fireworks, more effective policing of existing laws, a licensing of firework retailers and a greater emphasis on educating children in schools about the upset fireworks can cause to people and animals.

He will be among the MPs lobbying ministers to tighten the rules.

But he admitted that, with a packed legislative programme, it was unlikely the Government would introduce new laws soon.

"I am not hopeful it will happen in the near future," he said.

Last year Andrew Worden, aged 13, from Little Lever, needed microsurgery after a firework exploded in his hand. He was one of 112 North-west children injured.

And an undercover survey by the BEN last year found that two thirds of local shops visited sold fireworks to children under the age of 18.

This year the DTI's Bonfire Night campaign features posters bearing the message aimed at young people "Lucky Miss: Don't let fireworks ruin your image".

Thousands of safety packs have been sent to schools and television adverts will be aired from tomorrow. Firework safety tips issued by the Government this year include:

Only buy fireworks marked with the BS 7114 kitemark

Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks

Keep fireworks in a closed box

Follow firework instructions

Light them using a taper at arm's length

Stand well back

Never go near a fire work that has been lit even if it doesn't go off

Never put fireworks in a pocket or throw them

Always supervise children near fireworks

Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves

Don't give sparklers to a child under five

Keep pets indoors