BBC Correspondent Denise Mahoney: Sparklers look the least harmful but cause the most injuries

Nearly a quarter of all fireworks accidents last year involved sparklers, which have traditionally been regarded as relatively safe.

Consumer affairs minister Dr Kim Howells said parents should realise that sparklers burn at very high temperatures.

He said: "They burn at incredibly high temperatures - five times hotter than a barbecue, and parents have got to understand that."

Of the 100 million fireworks that will be sold this year, sparklers are expected to be a best seller.

Retailers expect to sell 100 million fireworks this year

Last year, tough new measures, including banning the sale of fireworks to under 18s, managed to cut injury rates by 26%.

But the government was disappointed that about 250 serious accidents were the result.

Parents are being urged to adopt a strict safety code when allowing children to use sparklers on 5 November, Guy Fawkes night.