ST Helens Council has joined more than 30 other local authorities in having RSPCA-backed rules and policies in place to keep animals and people safer this Bonfire Night.

In recent years, the animal welfare charity has been working with local authorities across England and Wales - urging them to introduce specific measures aimed at improving public awareness and preparedness around the Bonfire Night celebrations.

Many councillors have put forward RSPCA-backed notices of motion to council meetings urging their local authority to adopt the measures - while others have amended council rules and regulations in the aim of offering more support to vulnerable people, pets, livestock and wildlife.

Across England and Wales, 41 local authorities - including 27 in England and 14 in Wales - have introduced some RSPCA-backed measures to help protect animals from fireworks. In addition, a number of other Councils have also downloaded the RSPCA's dedicated toolkit for local authorities to support their work locally.

The measures adopted by the dozens of councils making a difference this fireworks season include public awareness campaigns about the impact of fireworks on animals, ensuring all displays on council land are advertised far in advance so residents can take necessary precautions, and promoting the sale of quieter or low-noise fireworks to local businesses.

Lee Gingell, RSPCA public affairs manager for local government, said: “It's really positive that so many local authorities have taken proactive steps to help protect animals during the fireworks season - and we hope these measures will ease the stress and fear many animals experience at this time of year.

“We'd like to thank all the councillors and councils across England and Wales who've worked with us - and would urge others to consider best practice and ensure these positive measures are implemented in all local communities across England and Wales.”

In addition to its work with councils, the RSPCA is urging the UK Government to amend fireworks regulations to better protect pets, wildlife and farm animals.

The charity wants the UK Government to limit the sale and use of fireworks to one week around Bonfire Night, and other traditional dates - such as Diwali, Chinese New Year and New Year’s Eve/Day, meaning 'firework season' would last for a much shorter timespan than is currently the case.

The charity is also calling for the UK Government to support firework control zones, prohibiting displays near horses' habitats, sensitive wildlife areas, farms, zoos and animal centres.