A COMPANY from Peterlee is to take over from firefighters by maintaining fire prevention equipment such as smoke alarms, extinguishers and hose reels.

It is part of a review of how fire and rescue services provide such products to their communities.

Peterlee Fire Company employs almost 50 people in Peterlee and provides a full range of fire prevention equipment.

The firm is only three years old, but the management has over 30 years experience in the industry.

It will maintain the equipment of local authorities, businesses and organisations in County Durham. If the scheme is successful, it may rolled out across the country.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service manager George Herbert said: "The safety of the individuals who live and work in the communities of County Durham and Darlington is always our greatest priority.

"I am confident that the new working partnership will be a great success and pave the way for improvements in the service and the provision of value for money, without compromising on the quality of services local businesses have come to expect from their fire and rescue service."

Peterlee Fire Company will be sponsoring a fire safety awareness scheme.

Public education sessions will be held and the installation of free fire safety equipment will be given to those most at risk.

Peterlee Fire Company director Steve Gilroy said: "The fire safety in the community aspect of the agreement is an added bonus.

"It is rewarding for us all to think that we have been given an opportunity to help contribute to save lives."