A NEW life-saving duo has arrived in Bury to help the borough's residents who are at greatest risk from fire.

Eka-Lisa Udoewa and Peter Robinson are the town's new Target Fire Team whose aim is to reduce the level of fire tragedies in the area.

They will primarily target the East Ward area, which is among the top 20 per cent of wards throughout Greater Manchester with the greatest level of fire deaths and injuries from accidental house fires.

The duo, who will be based at Bury Fire Station in The Rock, will carry out fire risk assessments in other areas when called for.

Where necessary Eka-Lisa and Peter will supply and install working smoke alarms, give other fire safety advice and, in extreme cases, make a recommendation for domestic sprinkler systems to be installed. The team will work closely with partner agencies including health, housing and social services to spread the fire safety message through Home Fire Risk Assessments.

In addition they will work to address crime and disorder issues such as abandoned cars, arson, hoax calls and attacks on firefighters.

Assistant County Fire Officer John Judd said: "Year upon year we have successfully managed to drive down the number of deaths and injuries occurring as a result of fires in the home but we are still seeing too many.

"I am confident our new teams will make a real difference in the areas where we are still experiencing problems related to fire."

Anyone who wishes to have a home fire risk assessment or who knows someone they feel would benefit from one is asked to telephone free on 0800 555 815 or contact their local fire station on 0161 909 0303.