FIREFIGHTERS in Winchester have launched a campaign to ensure homes in the district are as safe as possible.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service members in the city have pledged to carry out a free fire safety check on any home.

Crews will also be fitting free smoke alarms.

The campaign was launched on the back of figures that show there are about 4,000 house fires in Hampshire every year which claim the lives of up to 350 people.

Firefighter Paul Derrick said: "Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's fire safety message is clearly working because turnouts to these sort of house calls are definitely falling, which is great news.

"Our main aim with this latest campaign is simply to make residents safer in their homes.

"We are hoping as many people as possible will take up this opportunity to keep themselves safe from the dangers of fire."

For further details or to book an appointment, contact the community fire safety team on 023 8062 6809 or click on community.firesafety@hantsfire.gov.uk.