CHRISTMAS candle decorations have been put to the test by York trading standards officers, and they have issued a warning because of their findings.

The team, at City of York Council, are asking residents to beware of the potential fire risk created by some Christmas candle decorations.

They have carried out safety tests on eight different types of decoration, each designed to be used with a candle in the centre.

All but one of the items ignited when the candle flame came near the decoration and over half completely disintegrated.

Shockingly, one decoration burned with flames 50 centimetres high and only three of the items tested bore warnings to extinguish the candle before it came too close to the decoration.

Even in these cases, the warnings were found to be often unclear or obscured by packaging.

Trading standards chiefs have now ensured that all the unsafe items, which were tested and which bore inadequate or no warnings, have been taken off sale. The importers of the hazardous items are being contacted and steps are being taken to withdraw the decorations. Colin Rumford, City of York Council's acting head of environmental health and trading standards, said: "Many consumers will have bought this type of product with the intention of using them with a lighted candle.

"It is also likely that there will still be similar products on sale in the shops in the run up to Christmas.

"Consumers should heed all warnings on these products, and should be extra vigilant to ensure that a lighted candle does not burn down and come into contact with the decoration.

"Burning candles should never be left unattended. The best advice is to use these items as decorations only and not with a lighted candle."

Updated: 11:56 Saturday, December 21, 2002