A KEIGHLEY project that helps raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning has received a funding boost.

The Highfield Food Co-op initiative has been awarded a grant of over £2,500 by Northern Gas Networks (NGN).

Workshops and training are staged by the community group as part of its Energy Matters scheme, which as well as covering carbon monoxide (CO), also provides information about the help available to reduce energy use and save money.

It is hoped to build on the venture by training eight people to educate Sudanese and Kurdish communities in and around Keighley and Bradford about the risks associated with CO.

Vince De Bono, community outreach volunteer with Highfield Food Co-op, said the group was delighted with the grant and he thanked NGN for its support and guidance.

"The grant allows us to continue to support people with information about fuel poverty and to raise awareness of the dangers of CO poisoning," he added.

The cash was awarded as part of NGN's Community Promises Fund.

Now in its second year, the fund awards grants of between £1,000 and £10,000.

Tom Bell, the company's head of social strategy, said: "The judging panel was really impressed with the Highfield Food Co-op group's focus on training up individuals to work with their own communities that we might struggle to communicate with.

"As well as the grant, we'll also be supporting the group – and all recipients – with any other help they might need, such as advice or how they can share best practice with one another.

"Community groups, and other local organisations, play a fundamental role in helping to identify and assist those who are in need."