ELDERLY people in Northumberland are being urged to take advantage of free safety checks on their electric blankets this month.

Trading standards officers will be carrying out the tests at a number of venues across the north of the county during the week beginning September 26.

Checks will be done by appointment only, and numbers are limited, so early booking is essential from September 12 by calling 01670 534570.

Arrangements can be made to collect blankets from anyone who is housebound. Although the testing centres are in the north of the county this year, all pensioners in Northumberland can make an appointment to attend.

The free service has been jointly organised by the county council’s trading standards department and Age UK Northumberland, with assistance from the fire and rescue service, and Three Rivers Housing.

At each testing session pensioners can also receive useful information about their consumer and legal rights.

The checks will be carried out on September 26 at The Swan Centre in Berwick; September 27 at Rothbury’s Jubilee Hall in the morning and the Cheviot Centre in Wooler in the afternoon; September 28 in the Northumberland Hall in Alnwick; September 29 in Seahouses Community Resource Centre and September 30 at the Amble Development Trust base at Fourways 2, Dilston Terrace.

If any blanket fails the safety test, a new replacement will be available at a reduced cost. Funding for this has been provided by Age UK Northumberland.

Jimmy Power, business and consumer protection manager with the county council, said: “Last year 55% of the electric blankets failed the tests, so I would appeal to pensioners to get blankets checked and make sure they are safe in time for his winter.”

Coun Anita Romer, executive member for health and public protection, said: “I’m very pleased we are once again undertaking this worthwhile initiative with our partners. It’s easy to get your blanket checked and have peace of mind.”