A number of New Forest organisations have called for a ban on releasing Chinese lanterns to protect wildlife and smallholdings.

The Forestry Commission, the New Forest Equestrian Association, and the New Forest Equine Forum want the lanterns banned as they pose a particular fire risk in the area with a large number of properties with thatched roofs and standing crops.

The wire from the lanterns can also kill livestock that ingest the metal, which then becomes lodged in their guts.

The forest has become a popular location to release the flying lights which travel up to 50km (30 miles) before burning out.