While many businesses re-opening is good news for many, owners are being reminded to protect customers and staff from fire hazards.

Cumbria County Council's Fire and Rescue Service has issued the plea, encouraging business owners to keep fire doors closed at all times in a bid to reduce the chance of fires spreading if one starts.

Stuart Hook, protection manager at Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fire doors save lives and protect property.

"They’re often the first line of defence in a fire and, if fitted, maintained and managed correctly, can be the difference between life and death."

He continued: “Businesses reopening after lockdown may well have made changes to the layout of their premises to meet government guidelines and help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

“It might be tempting to leave fire doors propped open to discourage touching of door handles, but we would strongly advise to keep fire doors closed and follow government advice on handwashing and cleansing hard surfaces.”

For more information, visit the Safety at Work page on the county council website.