Trading standards officials have taken 299 electric blankets off Norfolk residents after safety tests revealed they were potentially dangerous.

Norfolk County Council tested 564 blankets across the region, with 53pc failing to meet the required standards.

Thetford had the biggest failure rate with eight of the 11 tested not fit for use. In Norwich, 65 of the 114 blankets failed the test, while 41 out of 67 failed in Fakenham and 17 out of 29 were not up to standard in King's Lynn.

Fifty per cent of the blankets tested in Cromer, Diss and Downham Market were ruled safe.

The county council added 240 replacement blankets were issued to people who were planning to continue using an electric blanket, despite their's failing a safety test.

Councillor Harry Humphrey, county council cabinet member for community protection, said: 'Thanks to an effective county council bid for funding from the Electrical Safety Council, residents whose blanket failed the checks were able to get a replacement free of charge.

'An electric blanket can be invaluable during the winter months and I'm pleased that, through our test events, so many residents can be assured that their blanket is safe to use this winter.

'Owners of electric blankets should always refer to the manufacturers recommendations about using them and also any recommendation regarding the need to have them periodically checked for safety.'

The authority added funding from the Electrical Safety Council also allowed it to carry out the tests.