It should have been a perfect summer's evening sunshine, beer and a barbecue. But those plans went up in smoke after the barbecue caught fire at an Oxfordshire home.

Firefighters said the fire on Saturday evening was caused by a faulty valve on a gas cylinder which was next to the barbecue.

They were called to the house in The Rydes, off Weeping Cross, in Bodicote, near Banbury, shortly before 6pm. Crews from Banbury, Hook Norton and Kidlington attended the incident.

People living in neighbouring houses had to be evacuated, because firefighters feared the cylinder could explode. No-one was injured in the incident.

Incident commander Chris Wilson said: "On arrival, the propane cylinder of the barbecue was leaking a gas jet, which was ignited and threatened to set fire to the garden fencing and surrounding property.

"Furthermore, the ignited gas jet could have been heating the cylinder and caused an explosion, which would have been very serious indeed."

He added that the prompt action by the owners, in calling 999 for help, had stopped the fire from spreading.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning householders to check that all barbecue equipment is safe before they light it.

Mr Wilson added: "It's extremely important at this time of year to make sure that all barbecue equipment is working properly before it is used.

"All residents need to be aware of the dangers of using gas and charcoal barbecues, especially after long periods of non-use over winter and spring."