NATIONAL retailers have joined the campaign to prevent disposable barbecues causing wildfires in areas including the New Forest.

Two years ago the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) urged shops in the area to protect the environment by refusing to sell disposable BBQs.

The NPA took action after rangers had to extinguish 60 barbecues in the Forest in one day.

In June last year Co-op decided to stop selling disposable BBQs in branches within a one-mile radius of national parks in the bid to stop wildfires.

Now Waitrose and Aldi stores across the country have taken them off the shelves to reduce the fire risk as well as cutting down on waste.

A Private Members Bill sponsored by High Peak MP Robert Largan would give local authorities the power to ban the sale of disposable BBQs in their area.

An NPA spokesperson said: "BBQs, camping stoves or anything with a naked flame are no longer permitted in any areas of the Forest managed by Forestry England, the National Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Wellow Parish Council.

"Wildfires would cause immense damage to the ground and would release carbon from the habitats as well as damage the fauna and flora."