Elderly people will be the focus of a new safety officer employed to raise awareness of fire risks in the home.

Ruth Johnson, 44, has been made Older People's Partnership fire safety co-ordinator based at the new Bradford Fire Station in Leeds Road.

The two-year post was created thanks to a grant secured by the Older People's Partnership.

Ruth said: "Evidence suggests that for many older people, fire safety tends to be less important than the need to protect their homes from intruders.

"Although they may have smoke alarms installed, some older people, due to mobility problems or ill health, may have more difficulty escaping from their property in the event of a fire.

"There is also some reluctance about asking for advice and assistance from the fire service as some older people fear they might be wasting firefighters' time - but this is not the case.

"The service would much rather visit people at home to raise their awareness of fire safety and ensure appropriate fire detection is installed than attend a fire."

The mother-of-two said she planned to work with partners and fire station managers to identify those at risk.

A pilot project to bring together a multi-agency first contact scheme - which would provide older people with easier access to preventative services - is also being investigated.

Julie Lintern, the co-ordinator at Bradford's Older People's Alliance said: "It is recognised older people are some of the most vulnerable and it's really important to get the fire safety message across."

Anyone can request a free home fire safety check, which might lead to having smoke alarms fitted for free, by calling 0800 587 4536.