Firefighters are urging parents to ensure their children's Halloween fancy dress costumes are not flammable.

As Halloween approaches, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is keen to make people aware of potential dangers.

Paul Kay, head of fire safety for the service, said: "We want people to enjoy celebrating Halloween, but to make sure that they are aware of the potential dangers that can be faced if their costume catches fire.

"The popularity of Halloween fancy dress costumes for children has grown enormously in recent years and we issue this advice to warn people so that they can enjoy themselves while staying safe."

Mr Kay provided helpful safety tips for parents.

He advised checking the labels on any fancy dress outfits to understand what fire resistance they offer.

Plastic capes and bin liners often used as costumes should be kept away from sparkles, candles, and other naked flames.

Battery-operated lights within homemade lanterns and pumpkins are recommended as they are much safer than candles and are cheap to buy.

Extra care should be taken with candles, which are extremely hazardous.

If a costume does catch fire, the advice is to 'stop, drop, and roll', making it harder for the flames to spread.

If you are with someone whose clothes have caught fire, get them to stop, drop, and roll, then smother the flames with heavy material like a coat or blanket.

In an emergency, cool any burns with large amounts of water and seek urgent medical assistance.