A DANGEROUS plant which can burn and blister the skin of anyone coming into contact with its sap has been spotted in North Yorkshire.

Giant Hogweed stands at around 15ft tall and was found this week on land adjacent to Low Street, Brotherton, near Selby.

The popular spot for dog walkers had recently been cut back to reveal a large group of the toxic plants, which cause blistering of the skin for 48 hours if humans touch its sap.

The Royal Horticultural Society has warned people to protect their skin from the sap at all times when working near the area.

Advice on their www.rhs.org.uk website read: "Protect yourself from any skin contact with the sap, especially your face, when cutting stems, and carry out control measures in overcast weather avoiding sunny periods.

"Wash off any sap as soon as possible with plenty of cold water.

"Larger scale areas are probably best left to the professionals, who should wear full protective clothing, especially if they are using a strimmer. Strimmers send sap and fragments flying so face protection is essential."

Giant Hogweed's dangers were exposed earlier this month when 10-year-old Lauren Fuller, from Glasgow, suffered third degree burns on her hands after touching the plant.

The child was on a fishing trip with her father when she picked up the plant to build a den.

The Environment Agency treats the growth of Hogweed if it is found on their land or assets, but private landowners must take responsibility for it on their land.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Giant Hogweed can spread rapidly along watercourses forming dense colonies that suppress the growth of native plants grasses. It can also pose a public health risk to those who come into direct contact with it.

"We would therefore urge landowners to treat this plant if it's found on their land, thereby helping to prevent its spread."