AN AMBLESIDE hotel worker has urged homeowners to switch off Christmas tree lights at night after a huge blaze tore through her two-bedroomed rental home.

Nicola Elston, who works as a food manager at the town's Salutation Hotel, described the moment she was woken by a smoke detector and rushed downstairs to be greeted by the inferno.

The 36-year-old said her housemate, Tom Gower, 23, was asleep on the sofa and was lucky to be alive after being pulled from the flames by her boyfriend Phil Turpin.

"I came downstairs and it was full of smoke," said Nicola, who has lived in the Wansfell Terrace house for just over a year. "I walked into the lounge and the Christmas tree was alight so I grabbed the house phone and dialled 999. I tried to get Tom out but I couldn't because I am only small so I just pulled him to the floor."

By sheer coincidence, Phil arrived at the house after forgetting his keys and jacket as he planned to drive back home to York for work.

"He just ran in and pulled him out," she said. "If it wasn't for Phil I don't think Tom would be here."

An investigation revealed the most likely cause was the lights which had caused the top quarter of the tree to catch fire.

Nicola is keen to warn others of the potential dangers of Christmas tree lights in the run up to the festive season.

"Please check your smoke detectors and switch off your lights," she said. "I hate the thought of me not being here for Christmas. It is a special time for friends and family and checking alarms and turning off lights is so simple."

Tom, who is store manager at the town's Costa cafe, was taken to Furness General Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation, said Nicola, who is now living at the Salutation Hotel.

She said she is grateful after receiving clothes, make-up and donations from the community. "Everybody has been so supportive from the maids to the owner," she said. "I can't thank them enough."

The risk of dying in an accidental house blaze increases by 50 per cent over the festive season, says Cumbria County Council.

Last year there were 27 house fires between December 15 and January 5 compared to 17 from January 15 to February 5 this year.

"While of course we want people to have a merry and relaxing Christmas and New Year, it’s important that everyone is aware of the potential fire dangers around the home during the festive season," said the county council's chief fire officer Ian Cartwright.

"Just taking a few basic precautions can prevent what should be one of the most enjoyable times of the year turning to tragedy.”

Advice includes not overloading plug sockets, using fire guards on real fires, keeping real trees in a suitable stand so it can be topped up with water and putting decorations away from candles and heaters.