FARMERS in Bridgwater are facing a new threat to their livelihood - Chinese flying lanterns worth £12.50.

Ken Doig (pictured), NFU secretary for Bridgwater, is warning partygoers of the risk the popular flaming party toys, which are often mistaken for UFOs, pose to fields and crops.

He says many farmers in the area are becoming 'seriously worried' about the flying lanterns, which can fly for up to 20 minutes and can rise a mile high in the sky.

The fads are growing in popularity at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other big events.

Mr Doig believes acres of farmland could go up in smoke destroying thousands of pounds worth of crops because of the small flame which burns inside the lantern to create the glowing effect.

He told the Mercury: “These lanterns are let off into the sky at parties and drift off before landing in fields containing valuable crops.

“They also pose a risk to homes, particularly thatched homes, and animals could easily get their heads trapped in the wire frame.

“One farmer in Enmore found six of these lanterns on his land over one weekend - this is really serious and it is only a matter of time before a whole field catches fire.”

Companies selling the lanterns warn against using in open spaces and near buildings or anything that may catch fire, including dry crops of woodland.

Mr Doig added: “People using these things need to be aware of the potential damage they can cause and with the hot, dry weather the chance of a field catching fire is higher than usual.”