SHOCKING research has prompted a Teesside housing association to pioneer a fire safety scheme for its tenants in partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade.

Research revealed that, on average, eight per cent of homes in Redcar and Cleveland are hit by fires started accidentally by residents, such as chip-pan fires.

Of those homes, 43 per cent are Coast and Country properties, according to figures produced by Cleveland Fire Brigade.

As a result of this research, the two organisations have launched the Home Fire Safety Check Initiative in Coast and Country properties.

The check, designed to promote fire awareness in the home, will be carried out by local firefighters and cover all potential fire hazards, such as electrical sockets, ovens and lighting and ensure that smoke alarms function and are in the correct position.

New tenants now receive a home starter pack, which contains a leaflet that explains the fire safety check.

In addition, existing tenants unfortunate enough to have had a fire in the home are automatically sent a letter to remind them about the check.

Tenants who sign up for the free check can enter a prize draw, with the chance of winning a DVD player, a television set-top box and radio alarm clock, or other assorted goods.

Ronny Harris, housing operations director at Coast and Country, said: "We are acutely aware of the need to raise awareness of fire hazards in the home. With the help of Cleveland Fire Brigade, we are encouraging our staff to attend fire awareness seminars and impart their knowledge of the subject to our tenants via home visits, leaflets and drop-in days."

Tony Churchill, of Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "Research shows that, despite regional and national campaigns, the message is still not getting through to enough people in Redcar and Cleveland."