THE nights are drawing in and Yarmouth residents are being urged to get their electric blankets checked before winter finally arrives.Norfolk County Council's trading standards service is offering to test residents' electric blankets free of charge ahead of the onset of the cold weather.

THE nights are drawing in and Yarmouth residents are being urged to get their electric blankets checked before winter finally arrives.

Norfolk County Council's trading standards service is offering to test residents' electric blankets free of charge ahead of the onset of the cold weather.

Last year, trading standards' officers found more than half the blankets tested failed safety checks.

Now they are urging people to make sure their electric blankets are safe by attending a safety testing roadshow at the Priory Centre, Priory Plain on Wednesday, October 21.

A qualified electrical engineer will carry out the essential safety checks at the roadshow, which should take about 30 minutes.

Residents will also have the opportunity to speak to trading standards' officers and other organisations, offering free information and advice on a wide range of issues around staying safe and healthy this winter.

Electric blanket testing is by appointment only. Call 0344 800 8005.