A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of faulty electric blankets has been launched in Blackburn and Darwen.

Age Concern Blackburn with Darwen and the local borough council's trading standards department along with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, are holding two free electric blanket safety testing days.

A specialist firm will be on hand on Monday, October 15 at Darwen Community Centre, Knott Street, Darwen, and on Tuesday, October 16 at Blackburn Town Hall to test blankets for faults and to advise whether they are safe to use.

Vicky Shepherd, Age Concern's information services manager, said: "Research has shown that 70 per cent of electric blankets failed safety tests and 25 per cent are potentially lethal.

"We want people to have their blankets tested to ensure they can sleep safely in their beds."

For more informationb ring wither 01254 266620 or 773440.

Similar tests across Lancashire proved half of all blankets were dangerous.