Firefighters are warning people not to light candles too close to Christmas cards.

Crew manager at Idle station Ian McKelvie said: "At this time of year people like to have candles on the mantlepiece but it could be dangerous if they're too close to cards. It's a situation best avoided."

He also urged people to always switch off tree lights when going out or going to bed.

"A natural tree can go up in seconds, the needles have oil in them which adds fuel," he said.

"Another problem is that when fuses go in the lights, people put any amp in they have to hand. Only a three amp is probably needed but people put in 13 or 15 amp ones which overdo it."

He said extra care should be taken with tree lights that worked on a flashing sequence.