A SCHEME to keep pensioners in Darlington safe and sound this winter got the backing of the town's MP yesterday.

Alan Milburn was supporting Darlington Borough Council's free electric blanket testing week, which runs from October 14 to 17.

Last year, the authority tested 193 blankets and found that half were unsafe for further use. Seventy-six blankets passed the test and 21 failed but could be repaired.

This year, blankets will again be tested by a qualified engineer and disposed of if dangerous.

Councillor Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "Nearly all fires caused by faulty electric blankets involve blankets that are more than ten years old.

"We are inviting people to come along and have their blanket tested for free. People whose blankets fail the test will be given information on offers and discounts available for replacement blankets."

For a test, call (01325) 362832.