It may be the start of the Chinese New Year on Sunday, but the messsage from the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is for families to celebrate safely.

The Chinese New Year has traditionally been an important event in the calendar and represents a time of reunion and thanksgiving.

Barry Pryke, from the Community Fire Safety Department, said: "We'd like to wish everyone celebrating the festival a very happy New Year, but hope that they will take note of fire safety advice. It can be easy to get distracted when celebrating with your family and this can increase the risk of accidental fires."

Some of the advice given, is: Never leave a candle unattended and remember to extinguish before going to sleep and Never put fireworks in your pocket.

For more fire safety advice telephone Watford on 01923 471 399 or visit the website