ALMOST 800 electric blankets have been tested despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Oxfordshire is believed to be the only county in the country providing this service this year.

Normally, blankets are tested at the council offices but that could not happen this year.

Over two weeks, 756 blankets across Oxfordshire were tested, with 159 failing.

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Residents with blankets that failed were contacted by telephone to discuss further action, including a free replacement.

In West Oxfordshire, 116 blankets were collected, with those that passed returned on the same day.

District councillor Merilyn Davies, cabinet member for communities and housing, said: “This was a fantastic effort by our officers working as a team with colleagues and volunteers across the county.

“They ensured this vital service was able to continue and people can sleep soundly knowing their blanket is safe this winter.”