A scheme to slash thatched cottage blazes which are costing Hampshire taxpayers around £1million a year is being rolled out across the Test Valley from today.

Hampshire Fire Service is highlighting fire prevention in thatched homes and pubs with a series of events in village halls around Romsey.

People living in thatched cottages will be notified of forthcoming events and invited to attend.

The first will be at Romsey Fire Station today at 7pm for people living in the town, Ampfield, Braishfield and Michelmersh and Timsbury.

There are around 3,000 thatched properties across Hampshire and last year there were eight fires involving thatch in the county.

On average it costs the fire service £45,000 to deal with each blaze leaving homeowners a £250,000 repair bill.