PEOPLE have been urged by the county's fire service not to launch sky lanterns to show support for the NHS.

A post by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service on Twitter today said: "All emergency services are currently under increased pressure due to Covid-19.

"We believe the suggestion that people should set off highly flammable lanterns should be highly discouraged and are urging the public to look for alternative ways to show their support to the NHS."

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It comes after some encouraged people to light sky lanterns in a show of solidarity for NHS workers as part of the weekly 'Clap for our Carers'.

The National Fire Chiefs Council also called it 'misguided', with chair Roy Wilsher adding: “If a sky lantern causes a fire, it could see firefighters spending valuable time dealing with what could be a complex and large-scale incident.

"Time which could be spent supporting vulnerable people in the community, as part of the fire services response to Covid-19.”