FREE electric blanket tests, energy-efficient light bulbs and smoke detectors are on offer to people in Darlington.

The offer by Darlington Trading Standards and Age Concern is running until Friday at the town's Age Concern centre.

Last year, 193 people took part in the tests, with 96 blankets found to be unsafe.

A qualified engineer will check the blankets and a competition will mean people with faulty blankets could win a new one.

Free energy efficiency light bulbs and smoke detectors will be available to those completing an efficiency questionnaire.

Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "People whose blankets fail the test will be given information on offers and discounts available for replacement blankets."

For details about the free testing service or to arrange a test, contact Age Concern on (01325) 362832.