You may have seen the recent news report stating that a hotel guest in Newquay has died of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, with the likely cause being a faulty heating system contained within the building.

The body of the man, who was in his 50s, was found by hotel staff. Three other guests were taken to hospital suffering from similar symptoms.

The 60-room hotel, recently re-opened after a £1.1million refit, was evacuated and the heating system shut down after high levels of the toxic gas were found by firefighters.

Two paramedics who attended the dead man at the Great Western Hotel in Newquay raised the alarm when they felt unwell and were treated in hospital.

A hotel spokesman said: "We are shocked and saddened and co-operating fully with the authorities."

If you have been affected by this recent tragedy and you are worried about the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and wish to protect your family then you can find some helpful advice from CORGI, the national watchdog for gas safety in the United Kingdom at www.trustcorgi.com.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. It can infiltrate your home through the most apparently harmless devices, like your boiler or cooker. It is impossible to see or smell, yet it is easy to protect yourself and your family from the risks.

A few simple steps, including an annual gas safety check with a CORGI registered installer, could prevent needless deaths or illness as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

SafeTrade, Local Registered, Approved and Recommended Builders, Plumbers, Electricians, Plasterers, Joiners, Decorators, Roofers and Glaziers etc. Middlesbrough website launch www.safetrade.org.uk/middlesbrough