THE new code of practice on sky lanterns doesn’t go far enough, say event organisers, who are calling for a national ban.

The National Outdoor Events Association has already branded sky lanterns as dangerous to the public, livestock and buildings.

Earlier this year it launched a three-pronged campaign to raise awareness and to gain a parliamentary debate in a bid for an outright ban which has won support from the NFU, CLA, some local authorities and the Business Visits & Events Partnership.

York MP Julian Sturdy has backed calls to ban the lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, and urged the Government to follow other countries’ lead.

Mr Sturdy dubbed the lanterns “flying death traps”.

He said in January: “Following the new year celebrations, farmers in my constituency have voiced their concerns about the dangers of Chinese lanterns, not only to the welfare of their livestock, but to property and, ultimately, their livelihoods.”

The new industry code of practice was unveiled by the Trading Standards Institute following discussions between the Government and industry.