By Chris Story

Last updated at 11:12, Monday, 28 December 2009

Trading standards chiefs have issued a fire risk warning about a Christmas decoration that was sold in Keswick.

The decoration features three candles that – when lit – are supposed to drive a propeller which sits above a wooden model of the Nativity scene.

But the propeller blades are made of balsa wood which have been found to smoulder and catch fire within just a few minutes of the candles being lit.

The dangerous decorations, which had been on sale in Keswick since September, were removed from shop shelves just before Christmas.

Anyone who bought them has been urged not to light the candles.

Cumbria Trading Standards boss Phil Ashcroft said: “This decoration presents a serious fire hazard. “I cannot state too strongly that the candles must not be lit. If you have one of these decorations please either return it to the shop or destroy it.”

The decoration is described as “Xmas Pyramid Crib – Article No. 260065”.

The labelling on the base of the box is labelled with the following details: ‘OBC KUNSTHANDWERK RAFFEISENSTR.. 36-40 D-27239 TWISTRINGEN’.

The decorations were imported from Germany and sold at Ye Olde Friars shop, Main Street, Keswick.

Shop owners raised the safety alert with trading standards after receiving a complaint.

First published at 09:31, Monday, 28 December 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk