RESIDENTS in the region are being warned about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning as they crank up the heat to cope with the cold.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas sometimes emitted by faulty or badly maintained boilers and symptoms of poisoning often go undetected because they are similar to those of a cold or the flu.

Speaking about Project SHOUT’s awareness campaign, Dr Ellie Cannon said: “The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness and chest pain – all things which are frequently associated with a bad cold or illness.

“However, it is important to act quickly if you have any of these symptoms and visit your local GP.”

Former England rugby international Simon Halliday joined the campaign after he was hit by carbon monoxide poisoning in October 2015.

For several weeks he dismissed the symptoms of lethargy and dizziness until he became so sick he was eventually hospitalised.

A simple check of his boiler revealed that it had been leaking the noxious gas into his home.

Campaign director Rob Lyon said: “Winter always sees the onset of the cold or flu virus but it is important to identify when this might be something more serious.

“The symptoms of poisoning are similar to that of the flu but by investing in a carbon monoxide alarm you can add peace of mind to the home and rule this out as the cause of your illness.”

He said the elderly and young children were particularly vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning.