A NEW campaign to appeal to migrant communities to use electrical equipment safely has been launched by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

A series of home fire safety checks have been carried out across Lancashire after crews became aware that many people were using two-pin plugs used in Eastern Europe in ways that created a fire hazard.

Fire crews have now developed an information leaflet and have euro-converter plugs to give away at specially held events.

And the Electrical Safety Council has created a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the issue after hearing about the work undertaken by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Phil Buckle, from the Electrical Safety Council, said: "The reports we received from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service about the misuse of two-pin plugs were extremely concerning and they have highlighted a nationwide problem".

The county's chief fire officer, Peter Holland said: "I would like to thank the staff who have put their time and effort into this initiative.

"It is another step into trying to reduce fires and injuries in Lancashire.

"We hope that this will also help people who live in other counties."