Image caption The F-series has been one of America's best-selling vehicles

Ford is recalling 1.2 million pick-up trucks in the United States and Canada because of fears their fuel tanks could fall off and start fires.

The recall affects some versions of the F-150, F-250 and Lincoln Blackwood trucks built between 1997 and 2004 - in certain cold-weather states.

It is feared the straps holding the tanks on can be corroded by road salt.

Ford will advise owners with the affected vehicles to take them to a dealer to have the straps replaced.

The F-series has been one of America's best-selling vehicles.

Ford said this defect has caused eight fires, and one injury.