CHESHIRE Fire Service is advising people to Be Smart Be Safe in its fire protection campaign following the deaths of four people earlier this year.

They have been leased 20 liveried Smart cars by DaimlerChrysler Services Fleet Management (DCSFM) to bring its message to Cheshire's elderly and vulnerable.

The cars are publicising the offer of free fire safety checks and the installation of free smoke alarms for vulnerable members of the community.

The four-year fire prevention programme is the first of its kind in the UK.

Driven by frontline fire safety officers, the high visibility cars will be seen at campaign promotions in schools, shopping centres and other public locations as well as going about their business.

Chris Turnock, Cheshire's deputy chief fire officer responsible for risk reduction, said: "The fleet is high profile, economical, practical and ideal for promoting the Be Smart Be Safe' campaign."