Britons have been warned to be extra careful on Christmas Day following a “sharp increase” in the number of fire incidents reported.

According to More Th>n Home Insurance, many Brits may get carried away by the holiday spirit and forget to observe the basic safety standards.

Keith Maxwell, head of More Th>n Home Insurance, said: “The nightmare scenario of a Christmas in flames can occur.

“For peace of mind, it is a good idea to make sure home insurance is up to date so that, should a fire take place, the home will be covered.”

The Christmas period often finds many people vulnerable to accidents and crime and recently insurance provider Norwich Union warned households that the number of domestic break-ins is likely to rise over the festive season, with New Year's Eve being a particularly active night for burglars.

Another insurer Halifax Home Insurance also advised homeowners to ensure they have winter-proofed their homes in readiness for the cold weather.

The home insurance provider said that last winter saw some 20,000 looking to mend broken or frozen pipes fixing, each of which cost an average of £2,000 to put right.

Figures released by the insurer also show that there were some 30,000 claims for storm damage last year which cost a total of £17 million to mend.