Maldon district has the lowest smoke alarm ownership in Essex, research carried out by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has found - and firefighters are urging residents who do not have one on every level of their home to claim them for free.

ECFRS carried out a survey across Essex to find out how many people had working smoke alarms.

The results showed that just 80 per cent of residents living across Maldon district had working smoke alarms at home, the lowest ownership compared to other areas in Essex, which averaged 91 per cent.

Station Manager Nick Trice from Maldon Fire Station said: "We want every home in Essex to have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes and would urge everyone to test their smoke alarms at least once a month.

"If you or someone you know doesn't have working smoke alarms at home, we can supply them for free during a home fire safety visit."

Residents can find out more from the Essex Fire and Rescue Service website using the link here.

March is National Smoke Alarm Testing Month and the service is raising awareness about the importance of having working smoke alarms. Free smoke alarms are available to those who do not have a working smoke alarm on every level of their home.