FIREFIGHTERS have urged people to buy smoke alarms as presents this Christmas - arguing they were more exciting than a pair of socks.

The Fire Brigades' Union distributed thousands of posters to shops and businesses across the UK suggesting alarms would make an ideal gift, especially for elderly people living alone.

Major retail outlets Homebase and Focus have pledged to help firefighters promote the message up to Christmas and for the January sales.

The union's national officer, John McGhee, said: "We spend and give more at this time of year so it's an obvious time to spread this message.

"The more we can encourage the public to install, replace and check their smoke alarms, the more lives we will save."

The union is also urging the public to make sure any existing smoke alarms are checked and working. In 2003/2004 there were 612 fire deaths and 15,600 people injured in fires.

Mr McGhee added "A working smoke alarm can save the life of a loved one and that is the greatest gift of all.

"Smoke alarms don't appear exciting as a gift but neither does a pair of socks."