madam, A quarter of a million people over the age of 65 in the Midlands are at risk of an explosion or deadly carbon monoxide poisoning because they haven't had at least one of their gas appliances checked within the recommended period (a year).

Thirty per cent of people over 65 in the region also said that they do not know the signs of a faulty gas appliance (these include lazy yellow flames, black marks on, or around the appliance and too much condensation in the room). Gas leaks can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning and so it is particularly concerning that forty per cent of older people in the Midlands don't have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Lack of awareness of gas safety is especially worrying when it comes to older people, who are often vulnerable. That's why older people's charity, WRVS, has teamed up with the Gas Safe Register and Gas Safe Charity to raise awareness of gas safety amongst older people in the Midlands. WRVS volunteers will be giving older people information about being gas safe and information can also be found at WRVS centres, hospital shops and cafes across the region.

If anyone is concerned about a gas appliance or would like to make appointment with a Gas Safe registered engineer go to http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk">www.gassaferegister.co.uk or free phone 0800 4085500.

Sharon Sinclair, WRVS area manager,

Midlands