A series of free events will be taking place throughout Cornwall over the next few weeks to help owners of electric blankets to sleep soundly in their beds.

From Torpoint to St Ives, the free electric blanket testing events aim to give owners peace of mind, with council officers checking for signs of faults that could potentially lead to fire.

Last year’s safety checks found faults with a third of those tested. Faulty electric blankets are to blame for around 1,000 house fires a year in the UK.

At the events officers can also test your small home appliances for the small charge of £1 per item such as portable electric fires, plug-in radiators, fan heaters, toasters and kettles.

Events are taking place at:

September 19

9am – 12 noon Torpoint Community Fire Station, Antony Road, PL11 2JY

1pm - 4pm Looe Community Fire Station, Church Street, West Looe, PL13 2EX

September 26

1pm – 4pm Bodmin, Chy Trevail, Beacon Technology Park, PL31 2FR

The checks take around ten minutes and the safety events are open to all - you can either book a space or turn up on the day.

If your blanket or small appliance fails on the day and needs replacing organisers are offering 10% money off vouchers and entry in to a prize draw to win a £20 gift voucher, courtesy of HBH Woolacotts.