West Yorkshire Fire Service says it investigates any complaints about illegal sales and storage of fireworks, and those convicted can face a fine of up to £5,000 and confiscation of the fireworks.

Roger Marris, senior explosives inspector for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "At this time of year fireworks are widely available to the public, mostly from legal but some from illegal suppliers.

"Legal suppliers are shops and other retail outlets that are registered or licensed by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to store fireworks. Illegal suppliers are typically those selling fireworks at car boot sales, from the back of vans and from domestic properties.

"We act on all complaints and suspicions and this has resulted in a number of successful prosecutions in recent years.

"One complaint has resulted in a householder in Calderdale being charged with illegal storage and the case will be heard later this month."

Shops can only sell fireworks to the public without a special licence at certain periods of time.

These are for the three days before Chinese New Year and Diwali and the first day of each festival; between October 15 and November 10; and between December 26 and 31.

Some shops and specialist suppliers have licences to supply fireworks all year round.

Their licences should be displayed as proof that sales are legal.

Members of the public and organisers of firework displays can keep certain quantities of fireworks without the need for a registration or a licence from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The allowances are 5kg can be kept indefinitely; an unlimited quantity can be kept for up to 24 hours; 250kg can be kept for up to three days in the place of intended useand 50kg can be kept for up to 21 days and not for sale or use at work.