Electric blanket safety checks are set to be carried out across Oxfordshire this autumn.

Oxfordshire County Council said residents must book the free tests in advance due to high demand.

The sessions will be held across the county on dates in September and October, with the exact location and a time slot provided at the time of booking.

The council's cabinet member for public health, inequalities and safety, councillor Dr Nathan Ley, said: "If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate there is the possibility it could become faulty, risking injury and fire.

“The service has been provided free of charge to residents for 25 years, and remains as valuable as ever. In 2023, of the 769 blankets tested, over 35 per cent failed the safety test.

“We therefore want to ensure that electric blankets are still safe for use. It’s free to come along, and there’s also free refreshments while you wait. Make sure you book as soon as you can, it is better to be safe than sorry.”

There will be checks in Oxford, south Oxfordshire, Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse in September and in south Oxfordshire, Cherwell, west Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse in October.

Appointments can be booked by visiting electric blanket testing, calling 01865 895999 and choosing option three or by emailing duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk.