TWO garden centres near farmland in the New Forest are refusing to sell Chinese lanterns in a bid to protect buildings and animals.

The Golden Acres chain, which has outlets in Cadnam and nearby Landford, has joined growing calls for the product to be banned in the UK.

Billed as a quieter, gentler alternative to fireworks, Chinese lanterns are often used to celebrate special events such as weddings and birthdays.

But Hampshire firefighters say the flying candles can set fire to thatched cottages and barns full of hay.

They are also a danger to cows. Some have died after eating part of the metal frame and suffering ruptured stomachs.

Simon Edwards, group operations director at Golden Acres, said: “We felt it would be irresponsible to continue selling them.

“We want to see the product banned in the UK as the likelihood of hurting livestock is very high.”

The move by Golden Acres was welcomed by the National Farmers’ Union, which is campaigning for a ban. An NFU spokesman said: “Nationally there have been numerous reports of crop fires caused by lanterns.

“They have also caused a large number of cow deaths, with animals sometimes suffering slow and painful deaths after eating wire used in the lanterns’ construction.”

Nick von Westenholz, the union’s Government affairs adviser, said: “In the last few months we have seen cattle deaths, serious fires and some near misses.

“It’s disappointing that the Government does not believe an outright ban is justified at the present time. We will continue to make the strongest case for a ban but will also work with retailers, event organisers and the public to raise awareness of the problem.

“We are confident that people are becoming increasingly aware that releasing lanterns is not always the harmless fun that it appears to be.”