FIRE safety officers will be in Minehead in October to conduct tests on electric blankets.

Somerset Fire Brigade says that old or damaged electric blankets cause thousands of fires a year and that they should be checked before the colder weather sets in.

In an on-going effort to reduce the number of fires caused by unsafe or unsuitable electric appliances, the brigade and Trading Standards regularly join forces in offering people free tests.

Due to the popularity of the sessions held last spring, five further testing days have been organised including one at the Friends Meeting House, Bancks Street, Minehead, on October 2.

Community Fire Safety Officer Richie Morgan said: "In recent years, we have checked over 2,000 blankets. Over 40 per cent of these were considered to be unsafe.

"The main reason for failure was the age of the blankets as many older blankets do not have the built-in overheat protection of newer models."

Mr Morgan said it was hoped people would bring in blankets belonging to elderly friends or relatives who were unable to reach a testing session.

Fire brigade and Trading Standards officers will be on hand with advice on home and fire safety matters and leaflets will be available.

All blanket parts are needed for the test. A discount will be available from selected retailers for those whose blankets are found to be unsafe.

Testing takes about eight minutes and is by appointment only as places are limited.Contact Somerset Fire Brigade's community fire safety helpline on 01823 364507 for information and to book.