South Yorkshire's public safety services enrolled the help of the Chinese Firework Company in London Road, Sheffield, to get the message across at the start of this year's Operation Mischief.

The firm's owner, Shay Popat, said he was totally committed to ensuring that safety and responsibility came first.

"We have been in the fireworks industry for 27 years and we are here to stay so it is paramount to us that the industry stays absolutely safe and enjoyable," said Mr Popat.

"Back in 1996, people aged 16 could buy fireworks, and every year fireworks are sold from the back of vans and cars by people who are here today and gone tomorrow.

"We have been leading calls for a change in the law and to make sure that safety comes first, and we are pleased to back the Operation Mischief campaign."

Chief Insp Rachel Barber, who commands Sheffield's neighbourhood policing teams, said the whole point of the operation was to allow people to enjoy themselves without putting others in danger.

She added: "What we are not trying to do is stop people having fun.

"However, we are determined to cut down on the nuisance that can be caused at this time of year by people with no thought for others."