Sarah Laraway, 14, suffered burns to her leg when a powerful rocket crashed through the roof of the conservatory at her family's home in Turner Avenue, Lostock Hall, in 2002. The firework, which was only meant to be used at organised displays, missed her head by inches.

The Lostock Hall Community High School and Arts College pupil lit a beacon on Preston's Flag Market to represent the start of the Bright Sparx campaign, a countywide campaign to stop dangerous behaviour in the build-up to November 5.

It comes after celebrations in Preston last year were marred by a series of incidents where fireworks were hurled at police by drunken yobs.

The campaign aims to encourage parents and youngsters to attend organised firework displays instead of buying their own fireworks and runs until November 12.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue's chief fire officer Peter Holland said: "We want young people to enjoy themselves and we know many people across the county will use fireworks safely.

"But for those who do act irresponsibly, we want to send a strong message – it isn't funny to play with fireworks and the results can be devastating."

Lancashire's assistant chief constable, Mike Cunningham, added: "There are serious consequences if people misuse fireworks and, as part of the Bright Sparx campaign, our neighbourhood policing teams will be taking an active role in ensuring young people know what is expected of them at this time of year."

High schools across the county will also be getting involved with the campaign through the High School challenge, which will involve teams of youngsters putting together presentations on the dangers of fireworks.

Parents are also being urged to get involved. A website – www.beabrightspark.org – has been set up with details of organised displays in Lancashire.

Speaking about her involvement in the scheme, Sarah's mother Brenda said: "We are very proud of her because it was very traumatic at the time.

"It is for a good cause, especially as people at Sarah's age are perhaps the most likely to get together with fireworks. We wanted to make teenagers realise what can happen."

- orginally published 03/10/06