THE lighting of candles in homes over Christmas and New Year may be decorative and festive but it also poses a danger.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) people have suffered severe house fires when they have left candles unattended.

"In recent years, with the increasing popularity of candles, there has been an increase in the number of candle fires," said Roger Vincent, a spokesman for the charity.

"And if you are going to leave the room you should blow the candle out."

He said added that candles should never be positioned in a draught, anywhere near curtains or near any materials, which could ignite.

Debris

"RoSPA recommends that candles are always used in proper holders or in secure and suitable containers and that debris is not allowed to accumulate after the candle has finished burning," he added.

Alec Mackie, spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "The misuse of candles can lead to tragedy.

"Thankfully last year, with the well publicised message about candles, the fire brigade did not have to deal with such incidents."

The use of candles in churches also poses a risk, according to Ecclesiastical, a national insurer of Anglican churches.