A MASSIVE stack of illegally sold fireworks were dramatically destroyed to mark the start of the first ever firework amnesty.

Sparks flew and a huge plume of smoke drifted across a field as 1.5 tonnes of fireworks illegally sold to youngsters were set off in a remote location at Holcombe near Bury.

The event was held to launch a drive to reduce the number of fire related accidents during the bonfire period with an "amnesty" to collect old and unwanted fireworks in the home.

Between April 2005, and March, 2006, there were 210 fires because of fireworks and 19 injuries - 13 of which were serious - in Greater Manchester.

Russ James, area commander for fire safety, said: "These illegal fireworks have been seized by the fire service over the last six weeks.

"It is impossible to say the street value of them, but it would be safe to say it would be tens of thousands of pounds.

"Fireworks bought from shops should be made to a certain safety standard, and if it doesn't say that on the box, I would urge people not to buy them.

"The amnesty has been launched now, and will run for at least three weeks after bonfire night. People buy fireworks for parties and, if it is raining, they might not use them and store them somewhere in the house, which is very dangerous.

"As fireworks are used all year round, I hope that - if this amnesty is successful - it can run continuously."

The fire service is responsible for licensing and storage of up to eight tonnes of fireworks. Every year there are examples of members of the public storing fireworks dangerously in their houses.

Assistant county fire officer Steve Beckley added: "We want everyone to have a safe bonfire night and ideally attend organised displays.

"If fireworks are old and look suspicious or out of date, or have been bought by mistake, people can contact us and we will collect them and dispose of them safely."

In 1999, the Bolton Evening News ran a firework awareness campaign.

More than 4,000 signed the petition to lobby the government to tighten legislation on the sale of fireworks.

Anyone with unwanted fireworks is asked to call freephone 0800 634 0880.