THE rescue services are appealing to people to keep an eye on the elderly as forecasters predict one of the coldest winters in years.

The Leigh area's fire and rescue service commander, John Harding, has issued a call to relatives, friends and neighbours to check on aging neighbours whenever possible as the risk of blazes grows.

He said: "This is a period when more heating, including portable heaters and electric blankets are used, which increases the risk of fire. We would ask that friends and neighbours check on the elderly whenever possible. It may be that they do not have a smoke alarm or that you are concerned for their well being with regard to fire safety in the home."

During the winter months the elderly are far more likely to become an unfortunate fire statistic than at any other time of the year. People over 60 make up 40pc of all fire related deaths, 20pc of all fire casualties and are twice as likely to die in a fire as the average.

The most common causes of these fires are carelessly discarded cigarettes, cooking appliances left on when people become distracted and open fires and heating appliances being placed too close to something which can catch fire

For this reason these safety points should be remembered;

Never smoke in bed

Never leave cooking unattended

Never leave lit candles unattended

Always use a fireguard around an open fire

Have electric blankets checked regularly by a qualified electrician

Fit a smoke alarm

In the event of a fire Get Out, Call 999 and Stay Out.