SEVEN people died in the North-East last year after falling victim to the Silent Killer, new figures have revealed.

And another 53 people suffered injuries as a result of the 19 confirmed incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Now a major campaign is being launched to try to promote regular servicing of gas central heating boilers, one of the main sources of leaks of carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas dubbed the Silent Killer.

Last year's figures for the number of incidents compares with the nine fatalities and 14 injuries caused by the gas in 1999.

A British Gas spokesman said: "Although the number of deaths has fallen, it is still seven fatalities too many."

The Northern Echo launched a campaign in 1999 - entitled Silent Killer - to promote greater awareness of the danger, following the deaths of Durham University student Anne Brennan and teacher Deborah O'Neil, from Spennymoor.

But campaigners have accused the Government of dragging its heels over taking steps to enforce gas safety regulations.

Nationally, carbon monoxide claims about 50 lives a year and the number of fatalities has prompted calls for the greater use of detectors, particularly in rented accommodation.

The British Gas campaign will feature a star of their television commercials, in the shape of a giant penguin.

The "bird" - called Jake - will visit shopping centres across the region in a pilot scheme prompted by the North-East's poor record on regularly servicing boilers.

British Gas North-East services manager, John Lochrie, said: "Taking Jake off the small screen and out on the road is a radical departure for us.

"And, although it is a bit of fun, there is the serious safety message behind it - that spending a few pounds a month on having your boiler maintained is money well spent."

Jake the penguin and the British Gas roadshow will be making their first appearance in the region at the Wallsend Forum, from tomorrow.

And week-long visits will then take place at Eldon Square, in Newcastle, from April 9; Queen Street, Darlington, from April 26 and May 7; Newgate Centre, Newcastle, from April 23 and May 21; Washington Galleries, from April 30, and Gateshead's MetroCentre, from May 14.

Read more about The Silent Killer here.