OVER the past few years, we have seen a large increase in the use of Chinese lanterns.

I can understand why, as they do look beautiful in the air and are relatively inexpensive; unfortunately, there is a downside to their use.

As I have noticed in the fields around Heslington, many drift a considerable distance from where they were lit and end up in fields.

As well as the litter problem these cause, they also present a real danger to cattle. Cows have been known to eat them and they can cause a long lingering death when the wire gets stuck in their stomach. They have also been known to cause fires as they are often alight when they land; if this happens to be near hay or dry fields they can cause considerable damage.

Therefore please consider the risks before using them, and if you must ensure they are tethered to the site they are being used at. You can find out more the NFU website by visiting nfuonline.com and enter Chinese Lanterns in the search box.

Andrew Collingwood, Langwith Lane, Heslington, York.