People should have their boilers, heaters and other flue accessories checked by a registered engineer, a specialist has recommended.

These checks need to be completed in order to reduce the probability of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause collapse or even death, the Health Protection Agency has told the Worcester News.

Andrew Kibble, of the Health Protection Agency, told the news provider: "To minimise the risks, I recommend that people have these appliances and their flues checked before the start of winter."

Other potential symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, chest pains and vomiting.

Recently, BYM Product and Industry News revealed that boaters who have equipped fuel stoves can gain assistance from the Boat Safety Scheme's (BSS) new site.

The website has advised boaters about the risks of over-firing, while alerting them to the dangers of wood and paper if they are positioned in close proximity to a stove.