Christmas party goers in Fulwell got more than they bargained for after a set of curtains went up in flames.

A group of about 13 people were enjoying the festive season at a home in Fulwell Park Avenue last night when one party goer drew the curtains, unaware candles on the window sill were not electric.

The flames from the candles set fire to the curtains and a crew from Twickenham fire station were called at 8.15pm.

Firefighters spent about two hours tackling the blaze and the lounge suffered about 25 per cent damage from fire, with the rest of the home smoke logged.

A Twickenham firefighter said: "They were insured and they had smoke alarms which gave them a quick warning."

All party goers escaped the house unharmed.