A 20-year-old man who lit a fire on an "extremely precious part of Yorkshire" has been sentenced to 27 months in a young offenders' institution.

Mohammed Zulkifl admitted arson after using a cigarette lighter to create a blaze while fire crews were already battling two separate, larger fires, on Ilkley Moor, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

He was spotted at around 8pm on April 20 setting fire to some grass on the moorland, before stamping it out and then starting a second fire, the service said.

A judge said that, without quick intervention, the actions of Zulkifl, of Rufford Street, Bradford, could have been "catastrophic".

The defendant attempted to run away after lighting the fire, but eventually crossed paths with police officers on the moor and was arrested.

At Bradford Crown Court, he admitted arson and on Thursday was sentenced to 27 months in a young offenders' institution, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Amanda Anderson, director of the Moorland Association, said: "Wildfires caused by arson are deliberate acts of environmental vandalism.

"They release thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases poisoning our planet, incinerate local wildlife and vegetation, and risks human health and even life.

"This case highlights the devastating consequences of uncontrollable wildfires on our moors. Zulkifl deserves his custodial sentence."

The Moorland Association explained how Judge Durham Hall said in his sentencing remarks that the fire "could have been catastrophic", if left unattended.

The group said that he told court: "This case is a matter that has come to considerable public attention because it was an aspect of the most distressing and upsetting fires that beset this extremely precious part of Yorkshire."

The fires on Ilkley Moor, including the one set by Zulkifl, required the attention of 14 fire engines, and caused significant damage to the popular walking spot.

On the same weekend, a blaze on Marsden Moor broke out, which is believed to have been started by a barbecue.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer Dave Walton said: "We very much welcome the sentence given to Zulkifl - and hope it acts as a deterrent to others."

Chief Inspector Mark Long, of Bradford District Police, said: "We hope this outcome sends out a message that anyone who endangers the lives of others by starting a fire deliberately is likely to go to prison."