Your next haircut could save your life if Sittingbourne firefighters have their way.

They began blitzing the town’s 36 hairdressers on Saturday to sign them up to Kent Fire and Rescue’s new Haircare Network, which promotes the use of smoke alarms.

Crew manager Kev Ford said: “There are still many homes which aren’t fitted with alarms.

"We know they save lives but there are elderly and vulnerable people living alone who might not realise how important they are.”

So the firefighters are enlisting the help of the town’s hairdressers.

Mr Ford said: “We know hairdressers build up an excellent rapport with customers, so we are asking them to mention smoke alarms in their conversation to anyone they think may benefit.

"We are happy to give homes a safety check and fit a free alarm if necessary.”

See www.kent.fire-uk.org/hair or call 0800 9237000 for more details.