Residents are being urged to keep Christmas food away from pets, make sure presents are under lock and key and check their home insurance policy is up to date, for a claims free Christmas.

NFU Mutual has compiled a list of ten tips for homeowners so they can enjoy their Christmas hassle free.

The insurer says over the festive period many people have to pay for vets who are called out to attend to pets that were fed Christmas treats such as turkey and cakes, so NFU Mutual is reminding residents to keep their furry friends well out of the kitchen.

Thieves are also hanging about for their opportunity to grab a treat so ensuring that presents are kept out of site and windows and doors are safety locked should be a high priority.

Some less well known tips include leaving the heating on if travelling away from home to avoid burst pipes, making sure Christmas trees are firmly supported, and ensuring chimney's are swept so that fires can be kept under control.

John Kenny NFU Mutual Claims manager at NFU said: "The last thing anyone wants is for their Christmas to be ruined – so take care and make sure you have the right insurance in place to ensure the festive season doesn't turn into a bleak midwinter."