AN 11-year-old girl is still in hospital after a firework exploded in her face.

Jaya Varsani was celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali in Adelaide Street, Daubhill, on Saturday night when the rocket toppled over as it was lit.

Hundreds of people who had gathered to mark the end of the festival with the organised firework display, dancing and music looked on in horror as the firework exploded in her face.

She suffered serious facial injuries and was rushed to the Royal Bolton Hospital, before being transferred to Booth Hall Children's Hospital in Man-chester.

Jaya, of Ellesmere Gardens, Daubhill, underwent surgery on her cheekbone and looks likely to be scarred for life.

Her father, Ravji Varsani, said the incident has left his daughter traumatised.

Mr Varsani said: "She is really distressed and has been since the incident happened."