TRADING standards chiefs are again offering householders the chance to have free safety checks on electric blankets.

An electrical expert will be available at centres across Bolton during the week beginning September 25.

People can take their blankets along for a check -- no matter how old they are.

The safety checks are carried out annually by the council's trading standards officers.

Last year, there were more than 5,000 fires nationally and 19 deaths caused by faulty electric blankets.

Previous testing weeks in Bolton have led to officers spotting that many blankets were potentially lethal.

The testing sessions will be on: Monday, September 25, at Egerton and Dunscar Health Centre, Darwen Road, Bromley Cross, 12.30pm to 5pm; Tuesday, September 26, at Horwich Resource Centre, Beaumont Road, Horwich 9am to 3.30pm; Wednesday, September 27, at Farnworth Town Hall, Market Street, 9am to 3.30 pm; and Thursday, September 28, at Age Concern, Ashburner Street, Bolton, from 9am to 3.30pm .

For more details, contact Bolton's trading standards officers on 01204 336500.