Smoke alarms for vulnerable adults are being funded thanks to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service teaming up with Whittlesey Rotary Club.

The alarms will be free for those living in Whittlesey and surrounding areas.

Brett Mills, station commander for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Whittlesey Rotary Club, and are really grateful for their support in helping to keep Cambridgeshire residents safe in the community.

“With a shared goal to reach out and help those who are most vulnerable in the community, the scheme will enable fire service staff to also refer and sign post some residents they engage with to access other services, so it’s the perfect partnership.”

David Denson, Whittlesey Rotary Club secretary, said: “Following a recent visit to Whittlesey Fire Station and a talk by firefighters on the importance of smoke alarms, Whittlesey Rotary Club has teamed up with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to fund the alarms for vulnerable adults living in the Whittlesey, Coates, Eastrea, Turves and Pondersbridge area.

“The Rotary Club was surprised to discover that the fire service is not allocated a budget by the Government to purchase smoke alarms, which cost about £6 each.

“Therefore with funding provided for these alarms by the Rotary Club, it enables CFRS to reallocate funding to other services for those who are vulnerable.”

A presentation was held to celebrate the partnership at Whittlesey Fire Station, and was attended by Rotarians and Fenland District Council chairman, Councillor Kay Mayor.

Laurence Seaton, president of the Whittlesey Rotary Club, thanked fire service personnel and explained that both the CFRS and Rotary has the same goal to reach out and help those who are most vulnerable in the community.

This is the second scheme of its kind in Cambridgeshire, following a joint partnership with Wisbech Rotary Club, and it is hoped that further Rotary Clubs in other parts of the county will also follow suit.