Free electric blankets handed out by firefighters in Staffordshire are being recalled over fears they might catch fire.

The items, which have been handed out by the fire service since 2009 as part of a drive to improve electric blanket safety, are now themselves thought to be dangerous. About 20 of these are believed to be in use in the county.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging anyone who has had an electric blanket free as part of the electric blanket campaign since 2009 to check the model.

The faulty blankets, with model number 75311, were given to the fire service by Morphy Richards for firefighters to hand out as replacements.

Morphy Richards can be contacted on 01709 572570 Monday to Friday or email blankets@morphyrichards.co.uk

To read our stories in full, log in to the premium 24 website.