BE burns aware – that’s the message to families as we approach Halloween and Bonfire Night.

And to drive home the safety message, a shocking video has been produced which shows just how easy children’s fancy dress costumes can catch fire.

The video has been made for the south westbased Buy Wise Be Safe project.

In it, a small child’s fancy dress costume is alight in moments after the floating fabric from the base of the costume comes into contact with a naked flame.

Buy Wise Be Safe is funded jointly by Trading Standards South West and involves partners in public health.

It has posted the video on its social media pages in order to highlight the danger posed by fire; particularly with Halloween being preceded by the Indian festival of lights Diwali, and Bonfire Night following shortly afterwards.

All three events feature the use of flames and/or fireworks which can pose a particular threat to the delicate skin of babies and young children.

During the four week period surrounding Bonfire Night, admissions to A&E for burn-related injuries increase substantially.

So to help parents keep their children safe Buy Wise Be Safe has launched a Burns Awareness Week campaign offering great advice to keep youngsters safe.

It runs from October 29 to November 5.

Stuart Radnedge, spokesman for Buy Wise Be Safe, said: “Every year around Bonfire Night many children suffer needless injuries that can occur in a moment but, in many cases, leave a scar or injury for a lifetime. Children under the age of five should not be holding sparklers but the risk of burns is still high if you leave naked flames exposed around your home.”

Visit buywisebesafe.org.uk