West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service is spreading some festive cheer - with an important message - as the Christmas period gets underway. 

A parody of the classic Christmas song Fairytale of New York, by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, 'A Tale of Safe & Well' has been created to raise awareness of how to stay safe over the festive period.

It's performed by firefighter Jon Arey, feauturing Abi Austin with The Fixby Songbirds. 

Watch the video here: 

Safety tips

-Don’t cook if you have been drinking and never leave cooking unattended.

-Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch alight easily.

-Keep candles, lighters and matches out of children’s reach. Never leave lit candles unattended.

-Never overload electrical sockets. Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them before you go to bed.

-Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach them to lights or heaters.

-Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas as they are potentially at greater risk from fire.

-Make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency.

-Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign.

Road Safety

With the weather usually worsening over the Christmas period, it’s important to be extra careful when out on the roads.

There’s also an increased number of people out celebrating and under the influence of alcohol over Christmas.

-Make sure you're in the right state to drive

-Take a break if you are the road and feel tired

-Don’t speed and don’t drive after drinking, or with a hangover. 

-If you’re heading out and you’re going to have a drink, leave your car at home.