VULNERABLE people in Barnsley are now safer in their homes - thanks to sprinklers partly-funded by the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

In total 163 flats have been fitted with the life-saving devices across six independent living complexes - all of which are run by Berneslai Homes.

The housing provider was awarded £240,000 from the fire’s sprinkler fund - which now means 200 more people have the highest level of fire protection available.

A number of personal protection systems and kitchen suppression units - which detect and extinguish fires with a water mist - have also been match funded by the authority.

“Sprinklers are a reliable and cost-effective way of stopping fires from growing and spreading,” said South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue sprinkler advocate Roger Brason.

“In most cases, they actually put them out completely, so we’re really pleased that all of these homes have had them installed and even more pleased that we’ve been able to help provide some personal protection systems to help safeguard the most vulnerable.”

Sprinklers have been installed in: Church Street Close,Thurnscoe; Hudson Haven, Wombwell; King Street flats, Barnsley, Pendon House in Penistone; Saville Court, Hoyland Common and Ship Croft, Wombwell.

“Thank you to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority for their funding to fit these life saving devices,” said Berneslai Homes’ fire safety officer, Kerry Storrar.

“The sprinklers give our tenants the highest level of protection and over the coming years we’re hoping to fit sprinklers in other buildings.”