A FLAT was set on fire this morning in Nelson after the owners left a large candle unattended.

The occupiers had left the candle lit when leaving their property in Hardy Court in Brunswick Street which caused a square metre of carpet to catch fire at around 1.25am.

The domestic smoke alarm alerted the neighbours to ring Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service who extinguised the fire, which left smoke damage to the property.

A spokeperson for Lancashire Fire and Rescue said: "Let this be a reminder of how important smoke alarms are, as they can alert not only you but your neighbours when you are out."