STATE of the art 'optical smoke detectors' are now a new feature in Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's fire safety campaign.

The optical smoke alarms, which are also known as photoelectric, use the light scattering principle to help pick up visible smouldering smoke quickly. The new alarms have a number of benefits including a 10-year battery pack, a lockable draw that can't be tampered with and are also more environmentally friendly as it is free of radioactive substances.

Firefighters will from now on be fitting the smoke detectors on all of their home safety assessments visits to houses in Runcorn and Widnes.

Geoff Shepard, service's community safety area manager, said: "Most of the domestic fires we attend are slow burning, smouldering fires and the optical smoke alarm is especially effective in giving a warning to these type of fires."