A rise in gas canisters being wrongly thrown into kerbside recycling has prompted a fresh warning from Somerset Council and its waste contractor, SUEZ, after a major fire was narrowly avoided.

More than 1,400 gas canisters have been found in blue recycling bags over the last six months. The problem is worsening over the summer months as people use more barbecues and camping gas.

A fire broke out last Friday at a sorting site. "If it wasn't for our highly trained and vigilant staff members, the facility could have burnt down," said SUEZ Contract Director Matthew Canning.

Somerset Council's Cllr Richard Wilkins added: "The dangers are very real. These canisters are pressured and can spark an explosion when crushed."

Residents in Glastonbury and Street can take small gas canisters to any of Somerset's 16 recycling sites. Visit www.somerset.gov.uk/waste to find your nearest location.