Essex Fire Service has issued its tips to ensure your Halloween doesn't end in a nightmare.

The service is urging people to take care with candles and fireworks while out during the spooky period.

The fire safety tips include:

  • It is far safer to use flickering LED candles than real candles in pumpkins and as part of displays
  • Make sure that fancy dress costumes and masks are labelled as flame-resistant
  • Don't use flammable materials to make home-made costumes. Be especially careful about using bin liners as capes
  • Keep children away from naked flames and don’t let them carry lit candles or lanterns with a real candle in them.
  • If you must use candles make sure they are securely placed in a correct holder away from curtains, cushions and draughts in a place where they are not likely to be knocked over
  • Make sure candles are extinguished when you go to bed If you are using decorative lights in your home, ensure that electricity sockets are not overloaded and that they’re switched off at the socket at night
  • It is also important to remember that not everyone enjoys a visit from trick-or-treaters and young people should take care to make sure that their fun is not frightening or intimidating.