A frightening video shows how quickly a dry Christmas tree can be engulfed by fire.

The footage, released by the American National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) aims to highlight the dangers of letting your tree become very dry.

In the video, an unwatered tree and one that is watered daily are set alight. The dry tree is up in flames in moments, while the watered tree is barely scathed.

The NFPA has issued safety advice on how to avoid a Christmas tree fire this festive season.

It says this sort of fire is not common but when it does occur can be serious.

The association advises buying a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched, and cutting two inches from the trunk before putting it in the stand.

Where to put the tree

The tree should be placed at least three feet from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and lights, and it should not block an exit.

You should add water to the tree stand every day.

In terms of picking lights for the tree, make sure the ones you choose have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or or outdoor use.

If a string of has loose bulb connection or worn or frayed wires, do not it.

You should never use real candles to decorate the tree, and should turn off the lights every night when you go to bed.

Getting rid of the tree

After Christmas, don't keep the tree inside your home. Leave it outside and get rid of it speedily.

In Cambridge, you can chop up you tree and put it in your compost bin or take it to the city council's recycling depot in Cherry Hinton Hall car park on Cherry Hinton Road.

The charity Arthur Rank Hospice runs a scheme where they collect trees and take the to be recycled in exchange for a donation.