Warning following chimney fires

There were chimney fires on average every two days last month

A recent spate of chimney fires has prompted authorities in Oxfordshire to warn householders to get them swept before the weather gets much colder.

There were 14 chimney fires in south Oxfordshire last month, and 170 across the county in the last year.

"I urge householders to get chimneys checked and swept as soon as possible," said risk manager Peter Cleary.

Fire authorities have also appealed for more volunteers to become retained firefighters in the county.