RURAL campaigning organisation the Countryside Alliance is asking members of the public to stop setting off sky lanterns following a sale push by online companies.

Adverts on social media have encouraged the public to buy sky lanterns as a way of showing support for the NHS. Sky lanterns are often made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a lit candle is suspended.

Once released, they often drift for miles. They are regarded as a menace for farmers and landowners who frequently report sheep, cattle and horses being injured or even dying from eating the wire metal frames of the lanterns. Sarah Lee, Head of Policy at the Alliance said: “Right now, we are all thinking up ways to support our amazing National Health Service. Sky lanterns are often marketed as being fun ways of marking an event but in reality, they are incredibly dangerous."