Firefighters have begun lobbying the Government to change fireworks regulations so the kind of explosions which killed two of their colleagues can never happen again.

Fathers-of-two Brian Wembridge, 63, and Geoff Wicker, 49, died on Sunday December 3 in a huge blast at the Festival Fireworks factory in Shortgate, near Ringmer.

They were the first firefighters to be killed in action in Sussex since 1974.

Yesterday the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) revealed that it was pushing for the Government to launch a public inquiry into the incident and the rules around fireworks storage.

And today the Argus can publish the first picture of Festival Fireworks boss Martin Winter, who courted controversy this week by referring to Mr Wembridge and Mr Wicker as "idiots".

The two long-serving firefighters were considered heroes by their colleagues and were given ceremonial funerals in their home towns of Crowborough and Heathfield.

They had arrived at the scene after two small explosions started a fire at the warehouse, along with police and paramedics. They were killed by a third, larger explosion.

FBU regional secretary Jim Parrott, who is based in Brighton, said: "We are very concerned about two areas involving fireworks. Firstly that there are too many different bodies involved in the regulation of fireworks storage and secondly we have concerns over the transportation of fireworks."

For a public inquiry to be launched, which could lead to changes in policy, the FBU needs to have the support of MPs.

The union is confident their calls will be heard. Mr Parrott said that since the accident there had been around 30 members' questions put to the House of Commons regarding fireworks and safety issues.

It is understood Lewes MP Norman Baker is among those willing to support their efforts.

Mr Parrott - who was just 100 yards from the factory when the fatal blast happened - said firefighters had particular concerns about regulations which covered the build up to Guy Fawkes night on November 5.

He said: "There are only around half a dozen registered fireworks storage sites in East Sussex but in the run up to fireworks night there are many more that are able to store quite a large amount. It is an unnecessary risk."

He said the FBU was also concerned about certain types of storage facilities at factories which made it possible for a number of fireworks to detonate at the same time.

In February Jan Dunk, a member of Wealden District Council, called for a review of firework storage in light of the Shortgate disaster.

She said planning loopholes meant fireworks could potentially be stored anywhere and called on her own council to address the situation.

Investigations into the December 3 incident are ongoing.

What do you think? Should there be tighter restrictions on firework safety? Add your comments below