Anglian Water spends £7m a year ridding the region's sewage systems of blockages caused by rogue items – from lost toys and nappies, to false teeth and golf balls.

But more than half of the 35,000 jams dealt with by the company are sparked by left over fat from Christmas dinners being poured down the drains.

As much as 250 tonnes of fat enters the region's drains over the festive period each year, coating sewer walls and creating giant 'fatbergs' that snarl up the system.

A recent clearance at the firm's pumping station at Ness Point in Lowestoft discovered Vaseline pots, mobile phones, credit cards and wallets.

Rachel Dyson, Keep It Clear programme manager for Anglian Water, said: 'We're asking customers to work with us to trim the fat that finds its way into our sewer network this Christmas. It really doesn't take much: let fat in baking trays cool before scraping it, and any food leftovers, into the bin; and give your crockery, pans and tins a quick wipe with kitchen towel before loading the dishwasher or doing the washing up to remove greases.'

Customers are also reminded to call Anglian Water on 08457 145145 if they are experiencing any problems with their drains or see signs of flooding.