Nottinghamshire emergency services remind residents to follow basic guidance ahead of Bonfire Night

Emergency services in Nottinghamshire are encouraging residents to do their bit to ensure Bonfire Night celebrations remain safe and fun.

Additional police officers will be on patrol over the weekend to clamp down on antisocial behaviour and keep the public safe.

Residents are also being urged to play their part in keeping fireworks out of the hands of children and removing items from outside their homes that may be used on unauthorised bonfires.

Inspector Paul Ferguson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Bonfire Night should be a fun occasion for everybody to enjoy, and we are doing all we can to keep things safe and enjoyable.

"Members of the public can help us out here by following some basic guidance.

"Fireworks should only be bought from a legitimate and trusted retailer and should never be left in the hands of children.

"People can also minimise the risk of illegal and unauthorised fires by removing potential fuel from outside their homes – from piles of rubbish and recycling to gas bottles and electrical items."

As part of preparations for the evening, a series of test purchases of fireworks have also been carried out in shops in the Top Valley and Bestwood areas, where all nine businesses tested followed the correct procedures and denied sales to under 18s.

Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have also issued the following guidance about the safe use of fireworks: only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer; it is illegal to supply fireworks to persons under the age of 18; it is an offence for under 18's to have fireworks in a public place; you should never throw or set off a firework in the street, onto a road or in a public place; you're not allowed to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except on Bonfire Night whereby the curfew is midnight to 7am; and always inform your neighbours if you are using fireworks and be considerate.

Area Manager Bryn Coleman of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe time over bonfire night and follows our safety information.

"We encourage people to go to organised firework displays or bonfires where possible.

"Those using fireworks inappropriately or setting deliberate fires put themselves and others at risk and take away our firefighters from dealing with other incidents, some of which could be life threating."