People in Berkshire are being advised not to hold firework parties this year because of the firefighters' strike.

Strike dates on 29 - 31 October and 2 - 4 November coincide with Guy Fawkes' celebrations.

Reading Borough Council is concerned that fire cover on those nights may be inadequate to cover private parties.

The council is now encouraging people to attend organised public events.

Event postponed

June Orton, councillor for environment and consumer affairs, said: "If the fire service strikes take place, everyone will need to be even more vigilant and prevent situations where a risk of fire might arise.

"I would encourage local people to go to a professional firework event rather than create added risk by letting off fireworks, or lighting bonfires in their own gardens."

However, the BBC has discovered that one such public event may be put off because of the strike.

Wokingham's Firework Display is planned for 2 November but the Wokingham Unicorn group that runs the event may delay it until 16 November.

Organisers of other public events are being asked not to light bonfires by the council.