PEOPLE in Tenbury and the Teme Valley are being warned that older people are at greater risk of dying or being seriously injured by fire.

Experts from Hereford and Worcester Fire Service say that there is a direct link between age and the level of risk.

They report that the elderly are less likely to have fire alarms in their homes.

Statistics show that the risk of dying in a fire for those aged 65 and over is more than twice as high as the average risk for all ages.

With an ever-increasing older population – 23 per cent of the UK will be aged 65 and over by 2035 – activities to help older people prevent fires and keep themselves safe are likely to form a growing part of the fire service's work over the coming years.

“Many people who are over the age of 70 do not have smoke alarms fitted in their homes and, even where there are alarms, a high proportion do not work properly,” said Station Commander Stuart Crebbin.

“That's perhaps not surprising when you consider the challenge of reaching up to the ceiling to push the button to test the alarm or to change its battery."

Anyone who would like fire safety advice or would like to inquire as to whether they would qualify for a free home fire safety check can contact the community risk department on 0800 032 1155 quoting reference NEWS.