Details of local events appear at the bottom of this story.

THIS weekend, thousands of families in the Watford area will enjoy gazing up at colourful fireworks displays and lighting sparklers but officers at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue are urging people to stay safe this Bonfire Night.

Chief fire officer Steve Seaber said: "Fireworks are dangerous and can be lethal.

"Although the number of accidents from fireworks has been decreasing in recent years we cannot afford to be complacent."

Fire officers in Hertfordshire were called out twice last week after two incidents where fireworks had been placed in post boxes.

Mr Seaber said he urged people to think before lighting a firework, to take their utmost care when handling and storing fireworks and warned adults responsible for lighting displays not to get drunk and increase the risk of an accident.

Mr Seaber also warned about the potential dangers of sparklers. He said: "Sparklers burn with an itense heat. They should not be given to children under five and children should always wear gloves when handling them and only hold one at a time.

"Never leave the children unattended while they are holding sparklers and when they have burnt out douse them quickly in a bucket of water as they remain hot afterwards."

Mr Seaber reminded people to keep their pets indoors.

Last year 972 people were injured by fireworks between October 14 and November 8 but only 12 per cent of people injured were at organised displays.

There are several displays on in the Watford area for families.

Watford:

The town's main event attracting thousands of visitors is the free Cassiobury Park firework display organised by the Watford Round Table and partly funded by Watford Council. The event will take place on Saturday, November 3, and starts with a candlelight and lantern procession from the town hall along Rickmansworth Road to the park. There will also be a Guy competition, bonfire and food. The procession will arrive in the park at about 6.30pm and fireworks start at 7.45pm.

Bushey:

The firework's display at the Metropolitan Police Club show in Aldenham Road, Bushey, is another stalwart Bonfire Night event which this year takes place from 4pm on Sunday, November 4. There will be a bonfire, fireworks, children's entertainment and food. Tickets cost £3 adults and £2 for children. Fireworks start at 6pm.

Croxley Green:

Yorke Mead School has organised a display at the school in Dulwich Way, Croxley Green on Friday, November 2, at 7pm. Tickets for adults cost £2, children £1 or a family ticket can be purchased for £5.

Rickmansworth:

The Rickmansworth Sea Scouts group is holding an event on Sunday, November 4, at 7.30pm behind the Catholic church in Park Road, Rickmansworth. Tickets cost £2 or £7 for a family ticket.

Sarratt:

Villagers in Sarratt can attend a bonfire and fireworks on Sarratt Green at 6.30pm on Monday, November 5. The fire will be lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks will start at 7.30pm.

Chorleywood:

Chenies and Latimer Cricket Club will be holding its annual firework display on Saturday, November 3. The event has run for more than 20 years. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and the firework display will start at 6.45pm. Food and drink will be available. Adult tickets cost £4 or children £2. The grounds can be found off the A404 just past Green Street, Chorleywood.

Abbots Langley:

Watford Lions and Abbots Langley Parish Council have helped organise a fireworks display and Guy Fawkes competition on Friday, November 2, at 7.30pm. The event will take place at the Manor House Sports Ground in Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley. Entries for the Guy competition must be in by 6.30pm and there is a £50 prize up for grabs.

Kings Langley:

Gaywood Park - the ground of Kings Langley Football Club - in Hempstead Road, Kings Langley, is the venue for a fireworks party on Friday, November 2, at 7pm. Adult tickets cost £3 or £2 for children. A family ticket costs £8. There will be a barbecue, hot drinks and beer.

October 30, 2001 17:30

Caroline Graham