An appeal has been launched to keep Northern Ireland drains clear over the festive period.

NI Water is urging customers not to put their turkey FOG (fat/oil/grease) down the kitchen sink, reminding people the wastewater drain is only designed for human waste and toilet roll.

David McCullough, Head of Wastewater commented: "Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) from those Christmas roasts is a major problem for us this time of year.

"It is not only FOG from home cooking that can be a problem. Businesses also risk blocking their own drainage systems, which results in extra costs being incurred in clean-up efforts. These fat blockages can not only result in out of sewer flooding but can also cause odour problems. Ways to dispose of FOG include fitting a grease trap, using an enzyme dosing system or recycling it."

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Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has joined the call, adding: "I am joining NI Water in calling for everyone to help keep the drains clear this festive season.

"As fat, oil and grease cools, it solidifies and this can then create blockages in the sewerage system. This often results in raw sewage flooding gardens and homes with devastating effects for you and your neighbours. It also costs NI Water thousands of pounds per year to clear the blockages that occur, so let's all work together to keep our drains fat free."

The best way to dispose of your cooking FOG, once the turkey's done, is to let it cool and solidify, and then scrape it into the rubbish bin. You can also pour it into an empty bottle and then take it to a recycling centre.