Candle is blamed for convent fire

A candle left unattended is thought to have started the fire

A closed order of nuns were forced to flee their convent after a fire broke out on a staircase.

North Wales Fire Service believes an unattended candle caused the blaze at the Poor Clare Colletine community in Hawarden.

The fire started shortly before 0500 GMT on Monday.

More than a dozen nuns live in the convent, spending their time in prayer, quiet contemplation and "needful work".

An ambulance was called to the convent and one person was treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.

The nuns were later allowed to return to the building.

According to the convent website, the community - known as Ty Mam Duw - was founded in 1928 by Mother Clare de Morla.

At first members of the Poor Clare's order lived in a council house in Flint before moving into an old house in Hawarden, which was gradually restored.

Their church was rebuilt in 1986.