Keighley's Help the Aged shop in Cavendish Street is supporting efforts to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The potentially fatal gas is often dubbed "the silent killer" because it cannot be seen or heard and has no smell.

Now Help the Aged is displaying posters and distributing leaflets at all its shops as part of a joint campaign with British Gas to alert the public to the dangers.

Every year around 50 people die and many more become seriously ill because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Poor servicing or installation of appliances, inadequate ventilation or blocked flues are frequently to blame.

Symptoms of the poisoning include persistent headaches, dizziness, sickness, confusion and extreme tiredness.

Signs of the possible presence of carbon monoxide include staining, sooting or discolouration on or around gas boilers, fires and water heaters. Pilot lights which normally burn blue but instead are yellow or orange could be an indicator.

Anyone fearing a problem should stop using the appliance immediately, ventilate their home by opening windows and doors and phone the Transco 24-hour gas emergency line on 0800 111 999.

Simon Henderson, of British Gas, said: "Carbon monoxide is is a potential killer. Every household should be aware of this problem and be vigilant. Pick up a leaflet from a Help the Aged shop today."