Firefighters have issued advice about burning rubbish in a garden or having a fire after they were called to a small fire at the back of a garden in Sandbach.

Two fire engines from Crewe went to Holly Heath Close just after 5.30 pm last night (Thursday).

A spokesperson said: "There was a small fire that was set in the rear of a garden which got out of hand and spread to nearby properties.

"Although the fire was out on the arrival of crews they damped down the area and checked two houses for any spread before leaving."

Now Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents to be careful when burning rubbish or having any other sort of fire in the garden.

They say: "Although there are no specific laws against burning rubbish in a garden or having a bonfire there, there are several laws that deal with the nuisance that fires and bonfires can cause, so we may also get calls to deal with these.

"These fires may include braziers, fire pits, chimineas or bonfires which have been lit to help keep people warm outside for longer, but which have been positioned too near to property, sheds, fences or hedges and accidentally spread."

They added: "Please follow our advice to stay safe and always remember if any fire starts accidentally then do not attempt to put the fire out yourself. Instead, you need to call 999 immediately."