Parties big and small will take place everywhere from neighbours' back gardens to Roundhay Park in Leeds where a crowd of 70,000 is expected.

Yet the most recent figures show that more than 1,000 people, mainly children, are injured nationally each year. That means an awful number of youngsters who may carry scars for life.

It is easy to forget amid all the excitement that a simple sparkler can burn at a temperature of 2,000°C – 20 times the boiling point of water – and a rocket can travel at 150mph.

Fireworks are not toys. They are explosives that can cause devastating injuries.

Not only that, but for a mindless minority Bonfire Night is seen as an opportunity to cause mayhem and misery for others.

Fire crews in Leeds who attend emergency calls are having to be monitored by CCTV cameras to help protect them from attack.

Thanks to changes in the law and tough enforcement action, there is less Bonfire Night disorder than in previous years.

However, yobs who start fires are being told they are being watched and
any trouble will not be tolerated.

Let's hope this Bonfire Night is celebrated in the right manner.

One that is fun and enjoyable, while at the same time being safe for all concerned.


Lasting legacy

MOST policemen after retiring take part-time jobs as security guards or simply put their feet up.

But not Geoffrey Mason.

This former chief superintendent left the force and promptly set about founding the Yorkshire Kidney Research Fund.

His work greatly improved the quality of life for many kidney patients across Yorkshire.

When he started, many kidney patients were forced to make several visits a week to hospital to undergo their treatment.

His work during his stint at St James's Hospital in Leeds made it possible for people to be treated at home.

Quite simply, he helped transform the way kidney patients received treatment for the better.

Geoffrey has now passed away at the grand old age of 93 – but thankfully his life-changing legacy lives on.


Bright Whites

LEEDS United fans have been reassured by club chairman Ken Bates that star midfielder Fabian Delph is not for sale.

The 18-year-old and exciting young talents such as Jonny Howson hint at a bright future for United.

Keeping these young Whites at Elland Road is vital if the club are to ever get back to their former lofty perch.

Ken Bates says Delph will be a Premier League player... for Leeds United. We look forward to seeing that tantalising prediction come true.