THREE people were treated for carbon monoxide poisoning following an outbreak in their Morwenstow home, at the weekend.

Six firefighters from Bude were called to a property at West Becon Close at 6am on Sunday.

The crew carried out tests using a gas monitor, which displayed a positive reading for carbon monoxide in the building and the source was isolated. Paramedics treated three people on scene and advice was given.

The source of the carbon monoxide was removed from the property and ventilated by the fire crew.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service is urging homeowners to be aware of the potentially fatal gas being released into their homes.

On average, carbon monoxide poisoning kills 40 people per year and injures around 300.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness.

A spokesperson for the rescue service said: "Gas boilers, stoves and heating appliances, solid fuel/wood burners and open fires pose a real danger if they are not properly maintained and or become defective."

If you suspect that someone is suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning and/or is unconscious within their home, dial 999 from outside the property and ask for the fire service and ambulance. The fire and rescue service will ventilate and monitor CO levels on their arrival.

Do not enter the property unless it has been fully ventilated by the fire and rescue service.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.