TRADING Standards officers have joined forces with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the police to offer home security advice to pensioners and free testing of electric blankets.

The Stay Safe Day event will provide a variety of information to residents on how to stay safe inside and outside the home.

The Lancashire County Council initiative will include home security advice from the police and a free fire safety check by the Fire and Rescue Service, while Trading Standards officers are offering a free safety check on electric blankets.

Last year there were 17 domestic fires and two deaths caused by old and faulty electric blankets in the county -- an increase of 30 per cent on the number of fires caused by electric blankets in 2000.

A Stay Safe Day will be held at Hyndburn Homewise, Whalley Road, Accrington, on Tuesday, November 26, between 9am and 5pm.

To avoid waiting, electric blanket testing will be by appointment only.

Elderly people who cannot get to one of the venues due to mobility problems should also call this number - it may be possible to offer some assistance.

Appointments can made by telephoning 01254 232249.