Sandwell residents will be helping people sleep safer in their beds this winter with free electric blanket checks.

Trading Standards officers will be touring the borough carrying out the checks and residents are urged to book tests now rather than risk unsafe blankets.

Last year officers found 18 per cent of blankets were unsafe.

Checks will be carried out at between 9.30am and 5pm at Oldbury Council House on Monday October 6 and Rowley Regis Central Methodist church on High Street on Tuesday October 7.

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing, councillor Mahboob Hussain said: "This service has always been popular and really can save lives.

"I would encourage people to make use of the free tests, as faulty electric blankets can be the cause of house fires which may result in serious injury or even death."

Places are limited and people are urged to call 0121 569 6600 as soon as possible to book a test.