A video showing firework displays distressing horses has been released in a bid to tighten firework regulations and prevent their "awful" impact on Norfolk wildlife.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, based in Hapton, has had three ponies die in recent years due to fireworks being set off near their centres.

The Nights Team captured the footage to show the effects of recent fireworks and the charity is urging people to contact their local MP to review fireworks legislation.

Lynn Cutress, Redwings’ chief executive, is concerned that fireworks will continue to harm the horses throughout November as many displays have been rearranged due to wet weather.

She said: "We are grateful to our neighbours who let us know about firework displays nearby but as you can see from this footage, which clearly shows the distress caused to our horses from firework displays, it isn’t enough.

“We have experienced the worst effects of fireworks here at Redwings, with three of our beloved residents dying in previous years because of large displays near our centres.

Eastern Daily Press: Horses at Redwings have been filmed to show the impact of nearby firework displays.

"We hope that by releasing this video people will see how distressing fireworks are for horses, as they are for other animals, and think again about the cost of using them.”

Redwings' podcast, Sounds of the Sanctuary, revealed that the charity spent an extra £300 a night on additional staffing to help protect the horses and counter any incidents caused by nearby firework displays.

Staff were brought in for 50 extra hours during four nights in October and November and the total bill for the measures was £1,500.

Eastern Daily Press: Three ponies have died at Redwings in recent years because of fireworks.

Lynn said: “We increase our staffing levels at sites where we don’t have live-in staff over the fireworks season so that we can make more regular checks on our residents, in addition to making lots of other provisions, including putting out additional forage.

“As a prey species, horses are naturally fearful of loud noises.

"When they’re stressed and frightened, they can exhibit ‘flight’ behaviours, like galloping to the point of exhaustion or trying to escape their enclosure because they feel unsafe.

"This can be dangerous for the horse and any people who are near them, including potentially road users if horses become loose."

Eastern Daily Press: The charity is urging residents to contact their local MP about the fireworks.

The charity is backing the #BangOutofOrder campaign and is calling for tighter regulations similar to Scottish Parliament which passed the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles Bill last year.

Helen Whitelegg, Redwings’ research and policy officer, said: "Once the relevant provisions come into force, the Bill will introduce fireworks licensing and they will only be allowed to be supplied to, and used by, members of the public on certain dates around celebration periods.

"The Bill also grants local authorities the powers to set up ‘firework control zones’, though this is a lengthy, complex process requiring a public consultation and at least a 60-day notice period.

"Horses die or are injured in fireworks-related incidents every year and Redwings wholeheartedly welcomes the tighter regulations that Scotland has introduced and is calling on Westminster to follow their lead.”