A SCHEME to help save children's lives - one of only a handful in the North West - has been launched in Burnley.

The Safeguarding Burnley project, which is backed by cash from East Lancashire Health Authority, aims to cut down on accidents at home involving young children.

The scheme will provide vital home safety equipment to families on low incomes.

They will have a stairgate and fireguard professionally fitted in their homes after paying a £5 registration fee to join the scheme.

The equipment will be on loan and be returned once the parents no longer need it. They will also get a smoke alarm and a set of electric socket covers to keep. Safeguarding Burnley was officially launched across the borough yesterday after a successful pilot scheme in south west Burnley.

Burnley Council environmental health officer Andrea Lensky said: "If the scheme can save a life or stop a child being seriously injured then it will be worthwhile."

The scheme is open to families on low income, with at least one child under five, who are receiving benefits and live in Burnley.

It has been funded this year with £6,000 from the local health authority, which is committed to backing the project for the next five years.

Application forms are available from health visitors at Saunder Bank Health Centre on Burnley 438026 or Andrea Lensky at Padiham Town Hall on Burnley 779718.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.