A firework safety campaign has targeted teenagers in Newport after it was revealed the area had one of the worst problems of firework misuse and injury in the UK.

As fireworks go on sale ahead of 5 November, posters featuring the slogan "Fool with fireworks and bang goes your image" have been placed across the city.

The posters will be put up in Newport

Newport is the only place in Wales to be singled out as having acute firework related problems.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Child accident prevention trust are behind the safety drive.

Consumer Minister, Melanie Johnson, launched the scheme alongside an announcement that cheap fireworks are to be made illegal.

"We all want to enjoy the fireworks season, but too often this time of year is blighted by problems of fireworks misuse, noise and nuisance," said Ms Johnson.

Cheap air bombs are popular among teenagers

The number of injuries to teenagers from fireworks rose by 50% in Wales last year - the biggest rise in seven years.

"It is vital that we crack down on this problem, but also educate people to make sure they know the consequences of the anti-social use of fireworks," said Ms Johnson.

"Teenagers thinking of messing around with fireworks this year should think again.

"They are likely to spend bonfire night in casualty departments or worse," she added.

The posters will be put up on bus stops and billboards across Newport.

Eleven other areas in the UK are being targeted by the campaign including, Liverpool, Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Greater Strathclyde.