Guests at weddings, festivals and parties are being urged not to release Chinese sky lanterns this summer because of the damage they can do in the countryside.

The paper lanterns, which are carried into the sky by hot air from fuel blocks lit inside them, can drift for miles and cause death to cattle, litter and serious fires in the countryside where they fall to earth.

Farmers have reported sheep, cattle and horses being injured or even dying from eating the wire metal frames of the lanterns, while landowners say they are forced to scour fields to pick up litter.

Agriculture minister Jim Paice warned the public about the problems they cause and urged people to think twice about letting them off at celebrations this summer.

He has asked the British Hospitality Association to advise its members, including hotels, restaurants and other venues, of the problems and to discourage customers from using the lanterns.

Glastonbury festival already has a policy of discouraging use of sky lanterns and other music festivals ban them on safety grounds.

Mr Paice said: "Anyone who's seen sky lanterns at night knows how spectacular they are, but they probably don't know how they can cut a cow's insides to ribbons and be devastating to the countryside.

"I don't want to stop people's enjoyment but I urge everyone to think twice about the impact of a sky lantern after it leaves their hands, and to find another way to celebrate."

We wanted fireworks as we're getting married on Nov 5th, but our hotel said that we are not allowed as we are on the flight path of the local airport. So then we decided that we would have paper lanterns and we found ones that are completely biodegradable. My neighbour who volunteers for the Coastguard talked us out of that as people are always calling 999 coz they think that they are emergency flares. Now it looks like we'll probably just have sparklers, better than nothing i supposse :) xx

last new years we had themand it burnt a hole in side and wudnt go high and went in bush!

if u hav a lake u can dp the chinese lanterns that float mayb?

I don't even think they look nice - and they are dangerous. They're just a fad anyway. I hope people realise how dangerous they are and stop using them.

Having seen the damage one of them has done to a cow and a horse when each ended with one round its legs i am PLEASED they are being discouraged! So so dangerous!

Lou x

My h2b has had to arrest quite a few people with wreckless use of these because of the size of fires they have started. Get everyone to wave their lighters on the air

Yikes!!
Maybe people could use them like kites instead? Have a cord so they float up a bit and tie the other end onto something?
Or just not use them - probs better lol xx

h2b had to put out a fire on someones garden when we drove past he ran over and stood on it lol put it out perfect they really are dangerous