CARBON monoxide detectors are to be distributed to homes in former coalfield areas, between Durham and Sunderland, thanks to a council grant.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has received £12,000 from Sunderland City Council's strategic initiatives budget (SIB) to buy and install more than 750 detectors.

They will be fitted in Houghton-le-Spring, Hetton-le- Hole, Copt Hill and Shiney Row.

Paul Tait, station manager at Rainton Bridge community fire station, in Houghton-le-Spring, said: "We carry out free fire safety checks, including fitting free smoke alarms, to houses which are most at risk of having a fire.

"Like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors give people a vital warning and save lives.

"This funding will enable people living in the coalfields area to be safer in their homes."

Councillor Joan Carthy, a member of the council's coalfields area committee, which funded the project, said: "SIB funding is about providing support to organisations which provide worthwhile services to local people, and the fire and rescue service does exactly that.

"It is an invaluable emergency service to the people of Tyne and Wear."

The scheme will be carried out by fire and rescue crews over the next 12 months.