Firefighters are warning that hundreds of people will be injured by barbecues this summer unless proper safety precautions are taken.

John Parry, Oxfordshire's chief fire officer, said: "Annually there are over 1,000 injuries to people caused by misuse of barbecues across the country.

"We love to see people enjoying the summer but we don't want to come round when it's more than your sausages burning."

The fire brigade issued the following safety tips:

**Place the barbecue on a flat surface and well away from sheds, fences and other combustible material.

**Use an appropriate lighting block or fluid and follow the instructions carefully.

**Never use petrol or other flammable liquids.

**Once lit, never move a barbecue or leave it unattended.

**Keep children and pets well away.