WEST Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) has responded after the "insensitive" advertising of BBQs by a huge chain.

Poundstretcher issued an apology on Twitter yesterday about the wording it used when promoting its disposable BBQs in an earlier tweet.

The discount giant posted a tweet with a picture of its medium and large disposable BBQs, both of which were on sale for half-price at £3 and £5.50 respectively.

But the wording of the post accompanying the advert was heavily criticised by fire services across the country and members of the public.

It said: "Whether you are spending the day at the beach or hiking through the hills, our disposable barbecue is a great way to cook you food."

Fire services have campaigned for many years against the irresponsible use of disposable BBQs on moorland or in the countryside and some areas even have Public Space Protection Orders which can mean it is illegal to use them there.

The apology tweet from Poundstretcher said: "We sincerely apologise for our misjudgement and deeply regret posting an insensitive message in our latest tweet."

The original post and any of those related to the advertising of the disposable BBQs have been deleted by Poundstretcher, according to a full statement from the company, which accompanied the tweet.

There have been a number of wildfires breaking out on Marsden Moor since the summer started, with pilots flying into Leeds-Bradford Airport reportedly seeing the flames of one that erupted two weeks ago from the skies.

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WFYRS) responded to the apology this afternoon on Twitter.

A spokesperson for the service said: "Thank you Poundstretcher for acknowledging this mistake and reacting promptly.

"Despite the risks, disposable BBQs continue to be used irresponsibly.

"They are one of the biggest causes of wildfires, and each year destroy thousands of hectares of our countryside having a significant effect on the economy, environment, and social fabric of rural areas, which is why as a Fire and Rescue Service we urge people to #KnowBeforeTheyGo and check Public Space Protection Orders before they plan to BBQ on Moorland or countryside so that they don't get fined for using a BBQ illegally.

"We also want people to call 999 and ask for fire if they spot someone illegally using a BBQ."

The full statement from Poundstretcher said: "We sincerely apologise for our misjudgment and deeply regret posting this insensitive message.

"We have made a poor choice in mentioning 'hiking through the hills' in association with this product.

"We have taken the immediate action to delete any posts relating to promoting the disposable BBQs.

"At Poundstretcher, we take every precaution when it comes to consumers and the environment.

"Our disposable barbecues include clear instructions and warning statements on the packaging to ensure the products are being used safely and responsibly such as: when cooking is completed extinguish this barbecue responsibly by pouring cold water on the charcoal and allowing it to cool. Please dispose of the used charcoal and tray responsibly.

"Again, we would like to apologise and we promise to keep doing better."