NEARLY half the electric blankets taken for testing by their owners have been declared unfit for use.

The worrying statistics have come from a survey carried out by Bury's trading standards staff, who offered residents a free blanket test.

Some 170 blankets were tested in Bury, and 46 per cent of them failed. A further 19 per cent needed minor repairs before they were passed as safe for regular use.

Councillor Pam Walker, public protection spokesman, said that the findings were similar to previous years' surveys.

"This is a worrying situation and we would urge anyone who uses an electric blanket and has had it for some time to have it tested by a qualified person," she said.

"We hope to run similar campaigns in the future but our message at the moment, especially with winter rapidly approaching, is that if you have an electric blanket and you have any doubts about its safety, have it checked."

The main reasons for blanket failure were age and a lack of overheating protection, meaning blankets could catch fire if left turned on for longer than anticipated.

The unsafe blankets found in Bury had their wires removed and were donated to the charity World Aid for distribution in orphanages.