FIREFIGHTERS have issued safety advice regarding the use of tumble dryers.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) says many households have had dryers working overtime because of the recent bad weather.

DWFRS station manager Graham Kewley said: "Tumble dryers contain powerful motors with fast moving parts that get very hot.

"If you don't clean and maintain your machine, excess fluff or lint can build up over time and catch fire."

There are a number of warning signs to watch out for:

Does your tumble dryer smell of burning?

Are your textiles taking longer to dry?

Do the dried items feel hotter at the end of the cycle?

Does the external vent flap stay shut when the dryer is on?

If you notice any of the above, clean the filter and check the vent pipe immediately.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free Safe & Well visits – to request a check, or for more information about being fire safe at home, visit dwfire.org.uk or call 0800 038 2323.