Drone warning after Christmas shopping surge

Thousands of people are expected to receive drones as Christmas presents this year but the authorities are warning of the dangers they can pose.

A report is due out today into a near miss between a passenger jet and a remote controlled device at Heathrow Airport.

It is expected to show an Airbus A 32 was 'at serious risk of collision' with the drone in July.

The owner of the device has never been identified.

The airline pilots' association Balpa wants better protection for the public against the risks of drones, which can be now be purchased in highstreet shops for less than £40.

It wants drones, officially known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS),which share airspace with passenger and freight airliners, to meet the same safety standards as piloted aircraft.

Although anyone can purchase one, there are rules and restrictions around the use of drones - they have to be flown more than 50m from people, buildings, vehicles and aircraft.

Balpa Safety Specialist Steve Landell says people need to be more aware of these rules: