THREE residents from the borough were among 14 people in Greater Manchester injured over the festive period in accidental house fires.

Figures released by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service show that between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, there were four blazes in the borough compared to eight the previous year. None of the three casualties suffered serious injuries.

Across the county, there were 77 house fires, a 19 per cent reduction compared to the same period last year when there were 94.

Prior to the Christmas period, the fire service launched a high profile advertising campaign promoting smoke alarm ownership.

Bury's borough fire commander, Peter Riley, said: "It's really pleasing to see this reduction in house fires over the Christmas period. There is no excuse now for not having a working smoke alarm in the home, even if the occupant can't afford to buy one. Residents can book in for one of our free home fire safety checks and, if necessary, we will fit a smoke alarm."

Call 0800 555 815 or your local fire station for a free fire safety check.