A Newport student became “engulfed in a ball of flames” when a friend accidentally set fire to her fancy dress costume at a party in a town wine bar.

The Harper Adams University College student was at Ozzy’s Wine Bar wearing a sheep costume as part of a St David’s Day event when her costume caught fire.

It is understood the victim’s friend, also a student, was flicking her lighter as they were talking at the table.

The student desperately tried to get off her burning clothes, helped by fellow drinkers.

Eye witnesses said the girl was saved from more serious injury by quick-thinking staff at the wine bar.

Paramedics took the student to Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, where she was transferred to Selly Oak specialist burns unit for treatment. It is understood she has been discharged from hospital and returned to her parents’ home to recuperate.

Richard Eley, who witnessed the incident, said: “I could see the lighter being flicked and her outfit caught fire. It started at her waist and she was engulfed in a ball of flames for about 10 seconds.”

Darren Jones, licensee at Ozzy’s, said: “She was wearing cotton wool and was dressed as a sheep. She went outside first but we got her back in to put cold water on her face.”

Debbie Wright, owner of the wine bar, praised her staff for their actions.

“I have spoken to a friend of the woman and she is really shaken but she is fine, thanks to the staff and Darren,” she said.

The pub boss said the woman who used the lighter had been banned from the premises until after Easter.

A spokeswoman for the college refused to comment.