The RNLI is urging yachtsmen not to use flares as substitute fireworks during this year’s Guy Fawkes celebrations.

The problem is increasing year on year, possibly because the festivities are no longer restricted to one night but have extended to a much longer period surrounding November 5.

The last three years have seen RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews called out 35 times to false alarms caused by revellers using flares to light up the night sky.