LETTERS go out this month to homes across the Richmondshire district which could be at risk from the silent menace of radon gas.

Occurring naturally, it is odourless and colourless - but high levels of radon have been linked to cancer clusters.

The Government has designated March as National Radon Awareness Month, and inspections have been timed locally to coincide with the campaign.

Homes between Marrick and Gunnerside in Swaledale, and between Redmire and Bainbridge in Wensleydale are a priority.

If free tests offered by the district council prove positive, then detailed surveys will be carried out to establish the best way of removing the gas from the affected properties.

"Effective measures to remove radon are relatively inexpensive, ranging from a few air bricks to a positive ventilation system," said the authority's environment unit spokesman, Sean Little.

"The key thing is to identify those homes where action needs to be taken."

Environment chairman Councillor Pat Middlemiss said: "We are urging people to take advantage of this free test so that if they are at risk they will find out as quickly as possible and can then plan any remedial work needed.''