FIREFIGHTERS have urged people to not leave litter lying around after being called out to a fire in the open near Ladies Walk.

One engine and a land rover from Andover fire station were called out to the incident yesterday, using one hose reel to dampen down the "small smouldering fire".

However, they said: "We noticed that around the area a lot of rubbish had been left."

They have urged residents using the countryside during this warm period to dispose of cigarettes properly, not leave glass bottles lying around, and not to leave barbecues unattended, whilst also remembering to make sure they are fully extinguished after use.

As previously reported, an amber wildfire warning has been issued across much of England until early June, after one of the driest Spring's on record.

The Met Office say that there is a "very high fire severity" with warm temperatures, long hours of sunshine and dry winds set to continue.

It also comes after one fire commander urged people in Hampshire not to have barbecues or bonfires because of the wildfire risk.

Andy Weeks told BBC Radio Solent's breakfast programme yesterday: "If you are going to be out and about, and why not, just enjoy the areas responsibly," he told the Radio Solent breakfast programme.

"Park responsibly, don't block areas that we might use to get into the national parks.

"Don't have any barbecues or camp fires of any kind.

"Take any rubbish home with you and if you do see any fires, get yourself to a location of safety and call 999 and give us some good directions on how to get there."