Residents in Kent have been urged by a water company to keep their pipes clear after Christmas lights were found in a sewer.

The unusual discovery in Canterbury was one of a host of "unflushable" items found clogging up pipes, prompting a warning from Southern Water.

The firm says there is usually an increase in fat, grease and other items finding their way into the sewer network at this time of year, causing "gruesome fatbergs" to accumulate.

A photo shared by the company shows a sorry-looking string of waste-encrusted Christmas lights that were pulled from a sewer in the city.

No details were given on how they found their way into the sewer, where in the city they were found or when the discovery was made.

Footballs, t-shirts and cutlery are some of the other ‘unflushables’ to be found in the company's sewers over recent years.

Head of Southern Water’s wastewater network Alex Saunders said: "No one likes a nasty surprise over the festive season and our sewers are no different.

"This is the time of year where we see an increase in blockages, and so many of these can be easily avoided.

"A blocked sewer can cause flooding to homes and businesses and unclogging them can take a lot of time, effort and disruption for local communities.

"So please only flush the three P’s down the toilet - pee, paper and poo - and avoid putting oils and grease down the drain too."

There have been 37,091 sewer blockages in Kent across the past five years.

Southern Water has given some tips so residents can play their own part in reducing blockages.

Fat, oil and grease should never go down the drain - and should be gathered in containers, cooled and put in the bin.

Leftover uncooked food and vegetable peelings can be composted, and cooked foods binned, so they stay well clear of plug holes and drains.

Any leftover sauces or yoghurt should be put in the bin too.

Nappies, baby wipes, tampons, sanitary towels, panty liners, colostomy bags and condoms should be bagged and binned.

Cleansing wipes, ear buds, dental floss, plastic razors and cotton pads should also go in the bin and not down the loo.