FIREFIGHTERS from North Yorkshire are leading the way in the fight against carbon monoxide poisoning.

Crews from Richmond fire station are among the first in the country who, alongside their firefighting duties, visit homes to fit carbon monoxide detectors as well as smoke alarms.

An inspector from the Health and Safety Executive watched as firefighters gave advice and fitted alarms yesterday.

He will hold up the Richmondshire crews as an example to other fire authorities across the country.

Nigel Phillips, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager for Richmondshire, said 200 carbon monoxide alarms had already been fitted.

"The scheme is part of our strategy to keep as many people alive as possible," he said.

"At first we fitted smoke detectors. Then we decided we should take the opportunity to fit another life-saving alarm at the same time.

"We are among the first authorities in the UK to do this."

Crew manager Craig Miller and firefighter Ian Hankin were fitting detectors in Catterick Village yesterday after making appointments with householders.

While one firefighter fitted the alarms, the other offered advice and carried out a risk assessment of the property.

Crew manager Miller described carbon monoxide as the Silent Killer.

He said: "Carbon monoxide is very nasty stuff. It's odourless and can creep up on you before you aware there is a problem. The gas kills about 35 people every year and many more are injured."

Margaret Barker, 74, of King's Close, Catterick Village, was delighted to have both alarms fitted for free.

She said: "I don't smoke and I haven't got a coal fire, but I still think it's important to get the alarms.

"I have grandchildren that visit and they could play with something that causes a fire."

The station received £44,000 from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to support the initiative. The firefighters are also offering free replacement deep fat fryers and electric blankets to at-risk groups.

Richmondshire residents can call Richmond fire station on (01748) 823343 for more details on having fitted a carbon monoxide or smoke detector.

* In 1995, The Northern Echo launched its Silent Killer campaign following the death in 1995 of a North-East student. It continued to call for a huge advertising campaign to warn of the dangers, to be funded by a compulsory levy on gas suppliers.