ELDERLY residents in Gateshead are being urged to take up free safety checks on small electrical appliances.

Low Fell Labour Action team member Jim Batty said: "This is a great campaign being run by Gateshead Council.

"Older residents in Low Fell and surrounding area can go along to the safety test road show and have electrical goods tested free.

"With the winter fast approaching, this is an ideal time to check electric blankets."

The Low Fell roadshow will be held at the fire station in Dryden Road, from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, November 9