A new fire safety campaign has been launched which is targeting students living in rented accommodation.

It follows the deaths of two young men last year after a blaze in their flat in the west end of Glasgow.

The Greater Glasgow Health Board initiative will encourage students to prepare a safety plan to minimise any risk of fire.

Just over a year ago, 20-year-olds James Fraser and Daniel Heron died in a fire in their basement flat.

It was allegedly found by accident investigators with bars on the windows, a smoke alarm which was unattached and exits blocked.

In September, the Scottish Executive announced measures to force landlords to register with local authorities.

Under the plan, which is likely to be approved by the parliament within the next few months, properties with be inspected annually.

Safety guidelines

The new campaign is designed to encourage students to follow simple, cheap safety guidelines and set out likely escape routes should the worst happen.

They include ensuring that exits are free from hazardous materials, leaving a key in an obvious place once the door is locked from the inside, and, most importantly, installing a smoke detector.

The campaign will also highlight what students can do to ensure the properties they choose to rent are as risk-free as possible in the first instance.

A fire brigade spokesman said the advice applied equally to the public in general, but that students leaving the parental home for the first time appeared to be particularly vulnerable.