UNDERCOVER checks on fireworks vendors helped Bonfire Night go off without too much of a bang, firefighters have claimed.

Several premises across the borough face legal action after being caught selling dodgy bangers or offering them to under-18s, Hounslow's fire borough commander said this week.

He believes putting those traders out of commission helped ensure a relatively quiet Bonfire weekend for firefighters in Hounslow, with no major incidents reported across the borough.

London Fire Brigade teamed up with the police and trading standards officers in Hounslow to visit premises across the borough ahead of Bonfire Night, on Monday, November 5, and Diwali, on Tuesday, November 13.

They ensured fireworks met the necessary safety standards, were properly stored and were not being sold to anyone aged under 18.

Mr Low said: "We've had a quiet Halloween and Bonfire period, which is good. We believe the visits made in advance with our partners helped keep things under control."

He added that the fire brigade was not 'out of the woods' yet, with Diwali approaching. He urged anyone celebrating with fireworks to visit the London Fire Brigade website for safety advice.