FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning after a house fire in Nelson was started by a candle last night.

The candle is believed to have been lit just half an hour before the blaze in Wadeshouse Road, ignited.

It had been placed on top of the television, which was destroyed in the fire. The rest of the house sustained smoke damage.

Sub-officer Dave Robinson, from Nelson fire station, said: "At this time of year particularly, people seem to be using candles and leaving them unattended.

"This can be very dangerous, particularly if they are on a plastic base or surface which can burn through.

"We would ask people to make sure they never leave candles unattended as lives could be at risk."