A CANDLE being distributed by churches to celebrate the Millennium is a fire hazard, according to Lancashire's fire chiefs.

The Millennium 2000 candle, produced by London-based Churches Together in England, is being doled out to parishioners of all denominations.

But fire officers say that one such candle used in East Lancashire (pictured) had burned through its plastic holder after falling over.

Fire service spokesman John Taylor said: "Lots of churches are distributing these candles and asking people to light them and say a special Millennium prayer for the new year. Fire officers are deeply concerned about the risks they pose.

"Candles are now responsible for a high percentage of house fires - so this promotion is particularly bad news."

But Nicholas Rothon, of Churches Together in England's Millennium team, said the Home Office has tested the candles, with the help of senior fire officers: "They have given the candles their full approval."

Reverend Martin Halsall, Church of England communications officer for Lancashire, said: "According to the manufacturers, these candles have been fire-proofed."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.