An illegal camper has been fined for starting "quite a large" campfire in the forest.

The camper arrived overnight at the Parc Pale car park just outside Lyndhurst. 

The camper has been fined by police under the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that is in place across the New Forest, banning all open fires and BBQs.

READ MORE: Calshot: Photos as fire ripped through New Forest marsh

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "This morning we joined our colleagues from Forestry England at Parc Pale car park just outside Lyndhurst.

"This illegal camp had arrived overnight and included what must have been quite a large fire.

"Some cannabis found in the camper’s car was also seized and destroyed.

"It is important that everyone knows how dangerous lighting fires is especially at the moment when the New Forest is so dry."