A SCHOOLGIRL had a lucky escape when a wayward firework crashed into her house just feet from where she was standing.

Rochelle Morris nine, of Taylor Hill Road, Taylor Hill, was celebrating her birthday by having some friends around for a sleepover.

Just before bedtime the four girls spotted a firework display nearby and went outside with Rochelle's dad Roger, 41, to investigate.

But as they watched the skies a 3ft rocket veered off course and smashed into the side of the house.

Mum Marie, 39, a teaching assistant at St Joseph's Primary, in Grosvenor Road, Dalton said: "I stayed in the house but Roger and the girls went outside to watch the fireworks. It was quite a big display.

"Then a rocket flew into the garden and finished up just a few feet from where Rochelle was standing.

"There are burns on the lawn and a bush caught fire as well. I could not believe the size of the rocket when I saw it.

"If it had hit one of the girls it could have seriously injured them. We often have firework displays here when there are parties at Lookwood Park Rugby Club and I am worried now that it could happen again.

"You think the kids will be safe when they are in the garden with their dad and then something out of the blue like this happens.

"I think parents should know to be careful when their children are watching fireworks even if it is a fair distance away."

A spokesman for Huddersfield Rugby Union Club, based at Lockwood Park, said: "There were no organised displays by the club that evening.

"If the firework did come from the club it must have been a private party on the grounds."