AHEAD of tonight’s Clap for the Carers, the NFU Mutual has pleaded for people across Teignbridge to abandon the release of sky lanterns.

Hundreds of people across the district are expected to take part in the weekly show of appreciation for our fantastic NHS workers and carers as the country is in lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As usual people will be clapping, banging drums and saucepands and playing musical instruments in a tribute to the people at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The rural insurer is concerned that plans for a mass release of sky lanterns ‘in support of the NHS’ could start grassland or property fires in current dry conditions.

It is also warning the public that debris from burnt-out lanterns can kill grazing sheep and cattle.

Rebecca Davidson, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: ‘We owe the NHS a huge debt of gratitude and understand people want to show their support. We are urging the public to show their support in other ways as none of us wants to put additional pressure on emergency services.

‘Fires caused by sky lanterns are entirely preventable, and at a time when fire service crews are needed as an essential part of the coronavirus emergency response – so we are urging the public not to buy or use sky lanterns but to continue showing their support for the NHS in other ways.’

NFU Mutual claims statistics reveal the cost of farm fires totalled £46.4m in 2018.

However you celebrate tonight, let us know at the Mid-Devon Advertiser and better still send us a picture of your celebration of our vital workers at [email protected]