Farmer outrage as 11 sky lanterns land on tinder-dry crop

A Yorkshire farmer has called for a ban on sky lantern launches after 11 landed in a tinder-dry hay field on the hottest day on record.

Martin Stone farms near Bingley, in West Yorkshire, and found the lanterns among mown grass on 19 July as UK temperatures broke the 40C mark for the first time ever.

The Met Office Fire Severity Index was set at its highest level of “exceptional” and the field was close to stored hay and machinery said Mr Stone, who expressed disbelief at the thoughtlessness of the individuals who released the lanterns.