HI-TECH optical smoke alarms which sense slow-burning fires in the home are being fitted for free by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The alarms are photoelectric and particularly good at detecting visible smoke from foam-filled furniture as well as being tamper-proof.

Fire chiefs are also offering free home safety assessment visits in a bid to cut the number of fire deaths and injuries in home across Halton and Cheshire.

To find out more call 0800-389 0053 or log on to the service's official website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk