Residents at Hensall, near Selby, are being offered free carbon monoxide and smoke detectors through a new scheme set up by the Southern Community Engagement Forum.

Under the scheme, up to ten residents will be able to receive a free portable carbon monoxide detector and a free home fire risk check which will be carried out by North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service. The move is part of the forum’s commitment to meet the needs of the community it serves.

Dennis Tredgett, the forum’s vice-chairman, said: “We all have a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable, often elderly, members of our community are safe in their homes.

Colin Hunter, of North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, said, “Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, which makes it very difficult to detect. However its effects are deadly.

On average, 50 people a year are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty heating appliances.

“Simple, reliable, carbon monoxide detectors for homes with gas heating or appliances are now widely available for installation in the home and they are generally available at hardware or DIY stores.”