FIREFIGHTERS in the region have praised the smoke alarm after it was voted the best innovation in the past 20 years in a national survey.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service applauded the findings and outlined how it has helped keep residents safe.

Online banking company Cahoot conducted the survey, and 69 per cent of the 2,000 people polled rated the smoke alarm the best innovation for two decades.

The lifesaving alarms were considered to be more important than gadgets such as mobile phones, cashcards and digital cameras.

The news has been warmly greeted at the county's fire service, where community safety officer David Turnbull revealed how the brigade had consistently promoted the benefits of having at least one working smoke alarm on every floor of every home by carrying out installation schemes.

Since 2001, more than 10,000 homes in the area have received a free safety check and the offer of smoke alarms being fitted by fire crews.

Recent campaigns have seen several fire precautions being offered, including ten-year tamper-free alarms, alarms for the hard-of-hearing and the installation of fire suppression systems in houses.

The smoke alarm promotions has seen ownership rise across the area.

Mr Turnbull said: "We want to see a safer County Durham and Darlington. Increasing smoke alarm ownership means that people recognise the importance of having these potential lifesavers in their home.

"This survey indicates people consider these alarms as good value for money. For a basic investment of £12 per house for two ten-year alarms, you can save a life and prevent injuries caused by fire."