WE are in the middle of that season which leaves the rest of the world baffled.

We are celebrating with millions of violent explosions the anniversary of the day they stopped Guy Fawkes blowing up parliament.

Sadly, this ritual leads to many casualties among children and adults.

And there are signs that efforts to bring in restrictions aimed at minimising the casualty list are being side-stepped by youngsters making their own fireworks.

So it is with some relief that we are able to report that the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain have cottoned on to this misplaced initiative by young explosives "experts" and warned their members against selling any chemicals which could be used for making fireworks.

Kids will be kids. But every effort should be made to discourage them from DIY fireworks which could cause serious injuries or even death.

The chemists have taken a responsible attitude. And it is up to every parent to do likewise.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.