A keen gardener's prize hedge was destroyed when it was set on fire by a wayward chinese lantern last night.

Firefighters believe the lantern was caught in the wind soon after it was let go in Carshalton, meaning it flew in to the hedge.

Flames burnt away about half of the eight ft high privet.

The incident happened at about 7.30pm in Culvers Way.

Firefighters put out the blaze with single hose.

Graham Fuller, blue watch manager at Wallington fire station, said: "The hedge that was destroyed was the owner's pride and joy.

What happened should be a warning of the risks of using chinese lanterns in built up urban areas."

He added: "If people are going to use them, they should do it on a night when there is no wind."

Chinese lanterns, are effectively mini-hot air balloons composed of flame, paper and wire that have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years.

When lit they are carried upwards by the heat, and can travel as far as 30 miles before they burn out and fall to earth.