Local MP Simon Hart has called on the Government to get "tough on grime and tough on the causes of grime" and crackdown on the use of Chinese sky lanterns.

Mr Hart has been campaigning to stop the damage to crops and livestock caused by the wire frames in the lanterns.

"These candle-powered lanterns are another form of litter and we know that fly tipping already costs taxpayers £1million a week to clear up," said Mr Hart.

Speaking on the floor of the House of Commons, Mr Hart asked the DEFRA minister Jim Paice what actions were being taken to make sky lanterns safer and to cut down on fly tipping.

Mr Paice said that officials from his department were working with other Departments and the farming unions to see what action can be taken, such as allowing only biodegradable lanterns to be imported.

"The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has written to local authority trading standards officials to encourage them to work with importers and manufacturers," added the Minister.