THE campaign to prevent carbon monoxide deaths took a new turn this week with a warning to keep climbing plants away from air vents and flues.

And now garden centres throughout the country are to back the move with posters and on the spot advice.

British Gas experts who are aiming to drastically cut down the 30 deaths a year from the so called silent killer posed the question "Could your clematis be killing you?''

And with the bank holiday weekend upon us British Gas has written to hundreds of garden centres and rushed out its special posters flagging up the urgent safety warning.

The energy experts want retailers to remind their customers of the dangers of letting climbing plants block up air vents and flues leaving them at risk from the deadly poison.

Anxiety rose at British Gas after one of its campaigners spotted the publication of a photograph in a gardening magazine which showed a prized clematis growing through a duct next to a water boiler.

A spokesman said: "Though the plant may have looked pretty it actually posed a serious risk of blocking the vent and causing problems with the boiler which could lead to lethal carbon monoxide fumes being produced.''

The published photograph prompted British Gas to send out a warning letter which has won the support from the Garden Centre Association, which has pledged to remind customers not to unwittingly become the next victims of CO poisoning.

Chris Beilby, Head of Safety at British Gas said yesterday: "People often plant attractive climbers and shrubs to hide a less appealing aspect of their house.

"But climbers in particular can be very fast growers and people may not be aware of just how invasive it has become. And if a vent is affect then it could be deadly.''

Steve Myatt, chairman of the 150-member GCA added: "Avid gardeners may be keen to hide features such as pipes and vents with plants, but it is vital that they are made aware that certain vents must be kept clear. We are more than happy to support British Gas by giving our members' customers safety advice.''

And it isn't just plants which could cause problems Mr Bielby pointed out that he had even heard of people wallpapering over vents or covering them with cling film in the winter.