SHOPPERS will be given advice on fire prevention next week.

Fire officers will visit the Bon Marche store in The Gates, Durham City, on Monday and Tuesday, to warn about the risks of smoking at home.

Officers will give advice on fire safety and smoke alarms and will arrange to fit a free smoke alarm in homes without one.

Julie Waterson, manager of the store, said: "We're delighted that the fire service has agreed to come and provide advice and guidance about fire safety, as well as to offer a free smoke alarm fitting service.

"We see this as a vital campaign, and if it saves one life from a preventable fire, then it will have been worth it."