HAMPSHIRE fire chiefs are warning people over the danger of chimney fires.

In recent years Hampshire has seen many fires in homes which started in chimney stacks.

Now Hampshire Fire Authority has warned that not having chimneys cleaned regularly could cause severe problems, particularly in thatched homes.

They advise having all chimneys regularly examined from within and lined in older and thatched properties.

Smokeless fuel and oil chimneys should be swept once a year, those with coal fires twice a year and those with woodburning fires swept every three months.