The sale of fireworks is limited under new regulations

Members of the Tyne and Wear Joint trading standards committee were "disappointed" there is not a ban on selling fireworks to the public.

New laws introduced last month make it an offence for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place or to let them off between 11pm and 7am.

They have called on Northumbria Police to enforce new powers "with vigour".

The new Firework Regulations 2004 prohibit the sale to the public fireworks which have a noise output exceeding 120 decibels and introduces a new licensing scheme for anyone who wants to sell fireworks all year round.

Brian Richmond, chairman of the joint committee, said: "We welcome the new rules, but there still don't go as far as we would like.

"I am still deeply concerned that irresponsible young adults are still able to buy what amount to dangerous explosives over the counter, and can cause all manner of distress and damage to children, adults and animals.

"We know the alarm and distress that fireworks being set off in the middle of the night can cause, so we welcome the introduction of a curfew.

"However, we will be looking to the police to ensure that this curfew is strictly enforced."

Northumbria Police says it will take breaches of the new fireworks regulation seriously.