A SAFETY notice warning the public about problems with a batch of Hotpoint dishwashers has been highlighted to the public by Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Community safety staff say the notice concerns a batch of dishwashers, manufactured between January 1999 and September 2003.

They were sold in the UK, with the following model numbers: DWF30, DWF31, DWF32, DWF33, DWF34, DWF35, DWM37 and DC26.

The company says it is aware of a small number of cases where an electrical component has failed. This may lead to overheating and, in rare cases, a potential fire hazard.

If you think you have one of these dishwashers, this is Hotpoint's advice: • Make sure your dishwasher is turned off and disconnected from the wall socket when you check the model and serial numbers. These can be found on a sticker on the inside of the door. The model numbers are also found on the front of the appliance.

• If your dishwasher is affected, email dwf@hotpoint.co.uk or call 08442 412574. The line is open from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm on Saturdays and 9.30am to 3.30pm on Sundays.

• Hotpoint will arrange to visit your home and repair the dishwasher free of charge. While you are waiting for an engineer to visit, Hotpoint recommend that you do not leave the dishwasher unattended while in use.