A BOYCOTT is being called for on Chinese Lanterns over Halloween and Bonfire Night over fears they are a fire risk to farmers.

The Country Landowners Association in the North is calling for action as it believes the lanterns are a fire threat to land, property, people and livestock.

The landowners group argues that the potential dangers the lanterns may cause outweigh any aesthetic appeal of the items.

Dorothy Fairburn, CLA north regional director, said: “Manufacturers and importers defend the products as an environmentally friendly way for people to enjoy themselves.

“But it is becoming increasingly clear they are nothing more than a potential lethal fire risk. I would urge anyone considering using sky lanterns to think again.

“Even open countryside contains houses, farms, farmland and woodland where people’s and animals’ lives could be put at risk.”