Coldjohn,
Is this a built-in electric (coal effect) fire by Robinson Willey rather than a portable fan heater for instance?
If so it may need to be taken out for diagnosis and repair by a competent person. Robinson Willey do have a one page web site (under construction) their contact details are:
Trinity Park, Orrell Lane, Liverpool L20 6PB
Tel: 0151 530 1900
info@robinson-willey.com
Peccavi, December 2008