A campaigning mum from Bradford is setting out to re-write Britain's firework laws in a bid to save lives.

Elizabeth Hellmich says her safety drive has already won backing from the police, fire and ambulance services, and the support of politicians, Trading Standards officers and firework manufacturers. She is now circulating a petition to poll the opinions of Bradford people on the subject.

Ms Hellmich, from Parkside Grove, Manningham, believes licences should be issued to anyone buying fireworks - requiring them to undergo a basic safety course. And new anti-nuisance laws would ensure they were not set off late at night.

Ms Hellmich's concerns over the fireworks arose while she was chairman of Lawcroft's Neighbourhood Watch scheme a year ago.

She said: "Initially, it appeared that the problem was isolated to certain areas of Bradford around Plot Night. But, after speaking with people in other areas, it was clear this was far more widespread."

She went on to contact Neighbourhood Watch groups across the country, as well as every major police station in England.

"The message I got back from many of them was the same - lots of areas had problems with fireworks, and residents wanted action taken."

Spurred on by the response, Ms Hellmich has since met Bradford Police to discuss the best way forward.

"I have also spoken with the city's MPs and got a promising response."

She is now calling on people across the district to contact their own politician in a show of strength.

"At the moment the police do not have the power to tackle problems with fireworks, and the only way this can be done is through going to Parliament and changing the outdated laws which go back to 1760," she said.

"I am a mother, foster mother and child-minder, so children's safety is something I obviously feel strongly about. These things are not penny bangers any more - many are like powerful military explosives and can easily be lethal in the wrong hands."

Sgt Roy Wensley, of Toller Lane Police, said: "Ms Hellmich represents the feeling of the community and we are certainly behind her. The only effective way to control this is through the point of sale of fireworks - by ensuring that there was some kind of training involved before people were handed them."

He said although advice was already available for those organising displays, it was up to the individual whether they took it. "It requires a change in law to properly enforce this and we will be behind Ms Hellmich if she approaches the MPs seeking this."