TWO out of three electric blankets in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa could be unsafe according to Worcestershire County Council's trading standards service.

The service undertook an eight-day electric blanket testing scheme, in September and this month, in partnership with Age Concern, Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade and district councils.

Of the 543 blankets submitted, only 186 were found to have no faults.

A massive 357, 65 per cent, failed.

Trading standards project officer, John Benjamin, said: "It is amazing to still find so many potentially dangerous electric under blankets being regularly used.

"The majority of blankets failed because they were over ten years old and therefore did not comply with the latest safety standards, so consumers should seriously consider throwing away any electric blanket that is over ten years old."

Blankets carrying the old Kite safety mark will be more than ten years old and the public is advised to replace these with new models.

It is also suggested you replace the blanket if the fabric is worn or frayed, there are scorch marks anywhere, tie tapes are missing, the flex, main lead or plug are worn or damaged, or any connections are loose.

About 20 blankets were seriously flawed with faults which could have caused injury or death. Leaflets on electric blanket safety can be obtained by calling on (01905) 765394.