Smoke alarms are to be handed out free to more than 1,200 vulnerable people in Surrey to help keep them safe in their own homes.

The fire detectors have been fitted in homes in under a year as part of an initiative between Surrey County Council and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

People with mental health problems, learning difficulties, people who have trouble getting around and those who live alone are all eligible for free alarms.

The smoke alarms are linked to a monitoring centre which is manned all day, every day and trained operators arrange help if needed.

The scheme is part of a safety programme that also features training for residential care operators and firms providing help in people’s homes.

Last year the county council announced it was investing £10m in five years to work with boroughs and districts on projects that help people stay in their own homes.

Melanie Bussicott, Surrey County Council’s assistant director for district and borough partnerships, said: “Everyone should benefit from the early warning of smoke alarms but they’re particularly vital for older people and those with mobility and health issues.

“Supporting vulnerable people is at the heart of what the council does and that’s why we’ve fitted more than 1,200 free fire alarms in less than a year.

“We won’t stop here and will continue providing them with other telecare devices to give people priceless extra years of independence and their families and carers peace of mind.”

To request a free home safety visit, call 0800 0850767 or email surreyfire.safeguarding@surreycc.gov.uk.