ACTOR Ralf Little has been supporting a campaign warning of the dangers of cooking or smoking after a night out.

The Bury-born star is asking people to be aware of the risk of falling asleep with a lit cigarette or leaving the cooker on after drinking alcohol.

In the past two years in Bolton, there were 64 cooking-related fires which resulted in 39 casualties. There were 11 smoking-related fires - one of which led to a death.

Increasing numbers of young people are involved in such fires and a radio campaign on Galaxy 102, which stars Ralf, is part of Greater Manchester Fire Service's attempt to target younger drinkers.

Little, who shot to fame as Anthony in The Royle Family and is also a star in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, is seen as someone young pubgoers would identify with.

He said: "If you've been drinking and want something to eat, get a kebab or go to the chip shop. Don't go home and cook."

John Judd, assistant county fire officer for fire safety, said: "This campaign is purposely aimed at a younger generation who quite often put the chip pan on or have a cigarette when they return home after a night out at a pub or club.

"The problem we see all too often is that people fall asleep whilst smoking or waiting for food to cook and before they know it, they have put themselves and, potentially, other members, of their family in real danger."