Fire crews are installing devices in elderly people's homes which automatically alert carers if the fire alarm sounds.

Since the Government-funded scheme was launched four months ago, Steve Peck, of West Sussex Fire and Rescue, has made 40 homes across the county safer.

Vulnerable or elderly people who would normally have an emergency cord or button to link them to a care provider will not have to phone the emergency services if a fire breaks out.

If the alarm is triggered, the radio device alerts the care provider who will contact the person through a small speaker to assess the situation before dialling 999.

One of the gadgets has already proved successful when a fire broke out at the home of 99-year-old Lesley Kennerley.

Crews arrived at his flat in Shelby Road, Worthing, within eight minutes and extinguished a fire which had started in his toaster.

For more information, contact West Sussex Fire and Rescue on 01243 786211.