THE Property Care Association is urging people in Worcestershire to be careful of giant hogweed, only a week after a Malvern mum emerged as its latest victim.

Several people throughout the country have fallen victim to the plant, but the association warns that the number could increase as children roam affected areas in the summer holidays.

Stephen Hodgson, chief executive of the association, said: "Giant Hogweed is widespread and the problems it can cause are certainly not insignificant.

"Children in particular are going to come across it and the general public, as well as local authorities, statutory agencies and landowners on whose property people can come into contact with the plant need to be aware of the risks.

"Giant Hogweed needs to be controlled and managed professionally."

Giant Hogweed sap is extremely toxic to the skin in sunlight, making it a serious and significant danger to public health.

Contact with any part of the plant, followed by exposure to sunlight, can cause severe blistering to the skin and discomfort, the latter possibly recurring over a number of years.

42 year-old Tracy Brookes, of Barnards Green, Malvern, was exposed to the plant in May, resulting in blisters, burns rashes and permanent scarring.

The association has printed a guide book on the plant, which can be found at property-care.org