BONFIRE Night may be over but there will be no let up from an Atherton woman's campaign to raise awareness of the effects of setting off fireworks close to veterans.

Linda Fisher has been running a poster campaign appealing for those selling and using fireworks to 'think' about former soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Setting off fireworks indiscriminately can startle sufferers and cause flashbacks of wars and other conflicts, Linda says.

“I am not against responsible firework use, I just don’t think people realise that random fireworks can have a negative impact on those who have been in the armed forces, including flashbacks," she added.

Linda runs the Shoulder to Soldier consultancy campaigning for better support for armed forces families.

She is grateful to Tesco in Leigh, Atherton Cricket Club and Leigh cricket and rugby union clubs for displaying her PTSD awareness posters in the run up to Bonfire Night on Saturday.

But she says the message needs to continue to be hammered home with fireworks often being used in the lead up to New Year and beyond.

Linda, who was a finalist in this year's Soldiering On Awards, which provide national recognition for the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country and individuals and groups who work together with the armed forces community, said: "We really need to get this message out there and to raise awareness about the negative impact of random fireworks around those suffering from PTSD.

“The best way to do this is to ask the sellers of fireworks to raise awareness and those organising events.

"I have also written to the relevant government department to ask that this awareness is inserted into the fireworks sellers' guide."

Former soldier Royston Brett, from Golborne, who served in the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and who suffers from PTSD, said: “I have flashbacks which are caused by unexpected fireworks and this leads to increased trauma and anxiety for me.

“It is often those fireworks that are let off without warning which cause the most impact.

"We can be prepared when we know events are taking place in our communities.

“Awareness raising campaigns like this are much needed, and national charities like Combat Stress have provided advice this year for anyone suffering so they can get help and support.”