Chinese lanterns, which have increasingly been used to mark special events like weddings and funerals, have now been officially banned from use on council land in Maidstone.

The lamps, of which some 200,000 are sold nationwide every year, are made of paper and consist of a candle or a fuel cell filled with paraffin wax suspended inside a frame of wire or bamboo.

When lit, they float gently upwards and drift away for several miles, reaching heights of up to 1,000m - landing when the fuel has run out.

It was reported earlier this year that Maidstone Borough Council was looking into imposing a ban after calls from farmers’ groups and animal charities who claim they endanger livestock and wildlife.

Cllr Derek Mortimer, chairman of the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee, said: “I am pleased that we have chosen to protect the environment and wildlife by taking this step.

“Farmers and other campaigners have called for a ban for many years as a result of the harm that these lanterns can do if ingested by animals or if they become trapped in them.”

Bio-degradable versions are available; however, they are often made of bamboo which takes many years to break down in the ground and still pose the same risks to animals if swallowed, and a threat to property from the naked flame.

Cllr Mortimer added: “The risks are very real to our local wildlife, and so we are encouraging residents, event organisers and parish councils to follow our lead and stop their use.”

The ban is now in effect and any event organiser who plans to host a lantern or balloon release on council-owned parks or open spaces in the borough is being urged to contact the events team at the council to discuss alternative options.