AN insurance company has joined forces with a fire brigade in a programme to reduce house blazes on Teesside.

The scheme, run by Swinton Insurance, in Middlesbrough, in conjunction with Cleveland Fire Brigade, means fitting smoke alarms could save customers money - as well as lives.

In a bid to reduce the number of house fires and cut deaths, Cleveland Fire Brigade aims evntually to visit every home on Teesside, to carry out fire safety checks. They will fit smoke alarms where none are installed and discuss escape plans with families.

Swinton has offered a reduction in its insurance rates for homes with the alarms. This comes the same week inquests are being held into the deaths of four people in two fires on Teesside.

Swinton's offer is open to new customers and old ones when they renew their policy at the branch.

It includes a seven per cent discount off their insurance, if they have a working smoke alarm in their home. There is an additional five per cent reduction for a household that opts for a free home fire safety check - a total of 12 per cent off an insurance quote.

Ed Parish, community fire safety officer with the Cleveland brigade, said: "We want every home in the brigade area to have a home fire safety check to reduce injury and deaths caused by fire. A 15-minute home fire safety check gives people the advice they need to reduce the risk.

"Hopefully, this new partnership will encourage people to call us to arrange a check and also help people save money at the same time.

"At the moment, the scheme is a pilot and is only open to customers at the Middlesbrough branch of Swinton Insurance. But, if it is successful, hopefully we will widen it throughout Cleveland, then possibly into a national initiative."

Gill Haddouche, branch manager at Swinton Insurance, said: "We are pleased to be working with Cleveland Fire Brigade on this initiative and hope it will be successful.

"We aim to give our customers the best possible service, and together in this partnership we will help them save money as well as reducing the risk of fire to them and their families."

To arrange a free home fire safety check call (01429) 873064.