A COUNCILLOR who sits on County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority hopes to set an example after finally getting a smoke alarm at home after two decades without the potential lifesaver.

Durham County Councillor for Chilton, Christine Potts, had a smoke alarm fitted last week after a long overdue home safety check by the fire service.

Now she hopes to encourage more householders o ensure they have a working smoke alarm in place.

Although smoke alarms are quick to install, Councillor Potts feels it is pushed to the back of peoples’ minds.

Cllr Potts said: “Really, being a member of the fire authority, I should set an example and have one installed in my own home.

“There was a smoke alarm, or there had been one before when we moved in, but the previous owner took it out.

"I thought we must get one in and 23 years have gone by and it’s always been something I’ve been meaning to do.”

Home safety checks are a free service provided by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service which could save lives, for details visit ddfire.gov.uk or call 0845-2234221.