Businesses across Dorset are being encouraged to make themselves aware of their fire safety responsibilities.

The call comes from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service as part of Business Safety Week, an annual campaign run by the National Fire Chiefs' Council.

Local fire crews are making contact with small businesses in the county to offer a free fire safety check.

This involves meeting with the responsible person at the business, to give simple advice on how to make the premises - and the people within it - safer from the risk of fire, or confirm that they’re doing the right thing regarding fire safety.

Emma Turner, Business Fire Safety Manager, said: "This new process is bringing great value to our local communities, by improving fire safety in the places where people shop, work, play and visit, and helps to ensure that our local businesses continue to flourish and prosper.

“We don’t expect businesses to be experts, which is why we are here to provide help and advice. We encourage businesses to work with us to help prevent fires to help them remain productive, safe and legal.”

Further information for businesses, including how to complete a fire risk assessment, can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/business-fire-safety