CUMBRIA Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has reminded businesses to keep fire doors closed as they 'save lives and protect property'.

The message comes as pubs, restaurants, shops and other businesses continue to reopen as lockdown measures ease.

Stuart Hook, CFRS protection manager, 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.

“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.”