Tests uncover dangerous blankets

A record number of dangerous electric blankets, including a 50-year-old one stuffed with horse hair, has been uncovered by tests in Darlington.

Trading standards officers invited residents to have their electric blankets tested for free over two days.

During the joint campaign with Age Concern which lasted two days, a total of 105 were examined.

It found that 45 were too dangerous to use, the highest number since the testing campaign began in 2003.

Among those that failed was one stuffed with horse hair which is thought to have been at least 50 years old.

Staff offered to destroy all dangerous blankets and advice was given on where to buy new ones and how to use them safely.

Andy Scott, Darlington Council's cabinet member for health and leisure, said: "Every year there are fires in people's homes caused by faulty or dangerous electric blankets.

"It is frightening to think that almost half of the blankets tested this year were found to be dangerous and I am glad that our officers were able to stop a potential accident from happening."