FIREWORKS could still fall into the wrong hands and bring misery, it was claimed today.

Leading figures gathered in Huddersfield to launch a campaign aimed at improving safety.

Fireworks go on sale in the UK on Friday and, for the first time, will be subject to a number of new regulations.

Enforcement will be shared between Trading Standards, local councils, the police and fire service.

However, it is feared that regulations will not curb the supply of fireworks to children from unregulated sources.

Martin Guest, technical director of Black Cat fireworks at Crosland Hill, said: "It will still be a problem. Some fireworks come into the country and are illegal.

"Others come in legally, but disappear once they get into the UK. At that point, the product becomes uncontrolled and that is when young kids start getting fireworks."

The new Government regulations include:

* A curfew, which means no fireworks can be let off between 11pm and 7am, except on New Year's Eve, Diwali, Bonfire Night and Chinese New Year.

* A maximum noise level has also been set, at 120 decibels.

* Noisy airbomb fireworks have been individually banned and will be available this year only as part of selection boxes, making it harder for young people with limited funds to buy them.

Another tool in combating anti-social behaviour with fireworks is a new offence, making it illegal for anyone under 18 to possess a firework, other than a sparkler or party popper, in public.

Another offence has been created to make it illegal for anyone other than a professional to possess a category four firework.

Category four fireworks are powerful and are only available direct from manufacturers to professionals with correct paperwork.

Mr Guest said: "When you find illegal fireworks, they are nearly always tied in with other things, such as crime and drugs."

Despite concerns over the effectiveness of the new regulations, they have been welcomed as a step in the right direction.

Keith Wakefield, chairman of West Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: "Fireworks can be used for anything from fun to creating lethal weapons. They are a danger in the wrong hands."

Mr Wakefield was present at a noise test at Black Cat Fireworks.

A Roman candle was set off at 92db and a banned airbomb was set off at 115db to demonstrate the difference in noise levels.

Mr Wakefield will be backing a further cut in noise levels.