People urged to stay safe as trick or treating and firework displays enter full swing

Large organised fireworks events will be held in Shrewsbury and Oswestry on Saturday night, while families and young children will also be out trick or treating for Halloween.

Efforts have been made by police and fire service personnel to get the safety message across ahead of the weekend.

Police have visited schools in the county over the past few weeks, while Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has provided advice for people attending and putting on bonfire nights through a series of advice leaflets on its website.

Local policing teams across the region have urged people attending bonfire events and marking Halloween not to commit anti-social behaviour and to respect elderly people who find such occasions a worrying time. People have been asked not to knock on doors displaying 'no trick or treat' signs.

Warnings were also issued ahead of the weekend to shopkeepers not to sell flour and eggs to people aged under 18 in a bid to reduce the threat of anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service is appealing to everyone to take great care this bonfire night. We recommend that people visit an organised display."

About 5,000 people will attend the fireworks at Shrewsbury's West Mid Showground tomorrow night, which will include live music and entertainment.

Showground manager Ian Bebbington said: "Saturday will be a great night. We're hoping it will be bigger and better than ever before especially as this year's event coincides with Halloween."

Hundreds are also expected to descend on Brongyntyn Park in Oswestry for the town's annual bonfire and fireworks display. The event has raised more than £40,000 for good causes over the last two decades.

Further events will be held in the coming weeks, including the annual Donnington Bonfire in Telford on November 14.