A WOMAN was rescued by a neighbour using a ladder after unattended candles set fire to a sofa at her Moreton home.

Firefighters were called to an address in Cornflower Way in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The woman, who was out of the property by the time firecrews arrived, was checked at scene by North West Ambulance personnel for smoke inhalation, but did not attend hospital.

Fire crews from Upton, Wallasey and Birkenhead attended the incident and left the scene around 2am.

Group manager Paul Murphy, district manager for Wirral, said: "The suspected cause of the fire was candles that had been left unattended and the result of this fire could have been much worse.

"We really urge people to take the greatest care when using candles.

"People should ensure that candles are never left unattended, are secured in a proper holder, such as ceramic bases, that prevent heat spreading, and candles are kept away from materials that may catch fire.

"Candles should also be lit in a well-ventilated room but away from drafts to prevent rapid or uneven burning.

"We also urge people to have a night-time routine where they close doors and check electrical items are not on charge overnight.

"We also advise people have an escape route planned for their home so they know how to get out if a fire were to start."