COOKING, candles and electrical equipment are all top of the Christmas danger list as Cleveland Fire Brigade warn people to take extra care during the festivities.

Over the last three years there have been 52 accidental house fires between December 1 and January 3 – 17 in Redcar and Cleveland, 14 in Middlesbrough, 13 in Stockton and eight in Hartlepool.

Out of these, 16 were down to electrical equipment, 14 to candles or radiated heat and 11 to cooking.

Phil Lancaster, director of community protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “We want people to enjoy all the festivities of Christmas time but we are also urging them to take extra care at a time of year when there are increased dangers around the home.”