Gas Safe Register is working with ITV on a storyline that will see Coronation Street's Fiz Brown, played by Jennie McAlpine, face the silent killer - carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Due to broadcast later this year, the story will highlight to the soap’s eight million viewers how illegal and unqualified gas work is dangerous and can lead to CO poisoning.

Paul Johnston, chief executive at Gas Safe Register, said: “As part of our role is to raise public awareness of gas safety, we have been working with Coronation Street and various other TV programmes and soaps to get gas safety messages out to as many people as possible.

Over half of people think memory loss and a funny taste in the mouth are main symptoms of CO poisoning.

“With around 4,000 people a year going to hospital with CO symptoms, we are pleased that Coronation Street is helping to raise awareness of CO among millions of people,” said Johnston. “Recognising the six symptoms of CO poisoning could save lives. These are headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness. The storyline will also highlight how important it is for the public to only use a Gas Safe registered engineer.”