HAMPSHIRE resident are being urged to not release "dangerous" sky lanterns this bonfire night.

The CLA is urging local authorities, community groups and private individuals staging Bonfire Night displays not to release sky lanterns.

The organisation are warning that animals could be injured or killed if they become trapped and entangled in debris, or if they eat items, causing choking and damage to internal organs.

They also said that the lanterns pose a "significant danger" to aviation traffic such as planes and helicopters.

The organisation is also asking event organisers to consider banning lanterns from their venues completely, in order to prevent spectators from releasing them.

CLA South East represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses in Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.

Regional Director Michael Valenzia said: “While Bonfire Night offers a chance for people to enjoy themselves at one of the many organised displays across the region, we would urge them to do so without releasing sky lanterns.

“Releasing a naked flame with absolutely no control over where it will land is a serious threat to rural businesses, livestock, wildlife and the environment.

“There is simply no responsible way to use them. They can kill animals, litter the countryside and start fires.”

The CLA has been campaigning for a total ban for a number of years, and will continue to do so for the sake of farming, wildlife, the environment and property owners everywhere. More than 50 local authorities have so far implemented a ban.