DEMAND for attack alarms has been so high among Pendle pensioners that an extra 800 have been ordered.

The first consignment of 250 alarms were snatched up within hours and a waiting list of 700 names quickly built up.

The surprise success of the scheme prompted the Pendle Community Safety Partnership to order 800 more of the alarms, costing £3,000, which are being made available from today.

The Partnership said it had been surprised by the demand for the alarms.

Partnership secretary Philip Mousdale said: "We were a little unsure what the demand would be.

"It was difficult to say how they would be taken up. It took us a bit by surprise.

"I think there is a fear of crime, particularly among elderly people, but I don't think it's borne out by the crime statistics.

"We are asking people to go to the council office or police station where they gave their name in and they will receive their alarm free of charge."

Partnership chairman Dr Ikram Malik said: "We feel that it is worth the investment to help efforts in making people feel safer."

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