Make sure your BBQ doesn't go up in smoke

The latest Churchill home insurance TV adverts show the nation's favourite insurance mascot dreaming of Sian Lloyd feeding him sausages.

The rest of the nation may not be dreaming of Sian, but come the sunshine, up to 27 million BBQs could be lit across the nation.

And whilst most result in a great time with family and friends, some do end up in a trip to accident and emergency.

Claire Foster, spokesperson for Churchill Home Insurance, comments, "When barbeques are mixed with a party atmosphere, accidents can happen. We urge people to take care to avoid damage to themselves or their property. People also need to be wary of the potential damage to the garden if a barbeque fire should get out of control, especially as the average Brit spends over £200 on equipment for their garden every year."

Errol Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: "In a hot summer around 1,400 people are likely to go to hospital after an accident with a barbeque, but there is no need for people to have accidents if they take the correct precautions. Children should be supervised at all times near barbeques - even after the cooking has been completed because the equipment will remain extremely hot for a long time. Some of the worst burns result from people rushing to light the barbeque using accelerants such as petrol or meths and this can lead to explosions."

Churchill's top tips on BBQ safety:

Before you start, ensure the barbeque is in good working order

Ensure that the barbeque is on a firm, level surface and sheltered from gusts of wind

Ensure that the barbeque is well away from anything flammable, such as garden sheds, garages, fences, or over-hanging trees

Never wear loose, flowing clothes when tending a barbeque and tie long hair back

Do not hold makeshift barbeques in woods or fields and never light a barbeque indoors or in a garage

Keep a bucket of water nearby

Never use petrol or paraffin, to start a barbeque. Only use recommended firelighters or fluids, following the manufacturer's instructions

Take care when cooking fatty foods as fat spilling on to the coals may cause a fire

Ensure that children and pets are kept well away from barbeques

Drink responsibly when tending to a barbeque

After cooking, allow embers to cool completely before disposing of them and then pour water over them

To celebrate the launch of Churchill's new home insurance offer, a new BBQ themed TV Campaign featuring weather girl and celebrity Sian Lloyd can be seen throughout July. Features of the Churchill Home Offer Include: Up to 30% no claims discount when you join or renew:

You'll know that careful drivers are rewarded with lower premiums, well we're also rewarding careful homeowners too.

If you haven't made a claim on your home insurance for 5 years or more you'll get a 30% discount. The no claims discount is dependant on the consecutive number of home insurance claim free years. Qualifying criteria apply.

And that's not all, even if you have made a claim recently we still think you'll find us hard to beat.

Plus a 25% introductory discount when you join

If you're new to Churchill, you will receive a 25% introductory discount just for joining us - whether you've made a claim with someone else or not.

Automatic cover for contents of up to £40,000 and up to £250,000 buildings cover

New for old replacement (excluding bicycles, clothing and linen)

All calls are answered in the UK with claims lines open 24/7

For more information, visit churchill.com