FIRE chiefs are teaming up with young children and their parents to extend a smoke alarm initiative.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is aiming to carry out 20,000 home fire safety checks each year and increase the number of alarms in homes to at least 80 per cent.

Officers have joined ranks with early education workers SureStart, to identify people who could benefit from a home fire safety check.

The Government-run scheme helps pre-school children and their families with practical support in the community.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is hoping to use this link to help communities.

Mark Whelan, director of operations and community safety, said: "Families are asked by SureStart if they would like a home fire safety check.

"If the families agree, their details are passed on to the brigade and a visit is arranged.

"It's very important for us to make partnerships with organisations such as Sure-Start. Sometimes it is hard to get access to some areas and working with organisations like SureStart, who already have access, is essential.

"We are aiming to do 20,000 home fire safety checks per year and increase the number of working smoke alarms in homes to at least 80 per cent in the most vulnerable areas.

"Our efforts are to drive down the number of deaths and injuries caused by fire."

To request a home fire safety check, contact (01429) 874063.