Electric blankets should be tested every three years and Cornwall Trading Standards and Cornwall Fire and Rescue are offering a free safety check to all residents of Cornwall at 10 county-wide locations.

Every year around the country there are around 1,000 home fires caused by faulty electric blankets with 20 people killed and 250 injured. 

Last year Cornwall safety checks found one in three blankets were faulty when tested.

People are also invited to bring along small home appliances like electric fires, plug in radiators, fan heaters, toasters and kettles to be ‘portable appliance tested’ for only £1 per item. 

Advice will also be offered on nuisance call blocking, community policing, product recalls and home fire safety advice.

The free events are on Tuesday, September 13, 9am-12pm: Launceston Royal British Legion, 32 Westgate St, PL15 7AE.

Tuesday, September 20, 9am-12pm: Saltash Community Fire Station, Callington Road, PL12 6EB.

 Tuesday, September 20, 1pm-4pm: Liskeard Community Hospital, Clemo Road, PL14 3XD.