A man whose daughter was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning has called for greater awareness among Brits abroad.

Mark Dingley spoke at Westminster last week at an event convened by the All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG). 

Mr Dingley’s daughter Francesca died in Chengdu, China, in February 2015 aged 22, having just moved to the country to start work as an English teacher.

She was killed in her flat by carbon monoxide fumes from an incorrectly installed water heater.

Mr Dingley urged for alarms to be seen as “essential” travel items and for the industry to do more to encourage the public to take detectors with them when they go abroad.

He said: “People die needlessly from carbon monoxide simply because they know nothing about it. 

“Educating the general population is key, the government, travel industry and energy suppliers could all do far more to raise awareness.

“We would like to see prominent and robust warnings in government travel advice, at airports and in ferry terminals, in railway and bus stations, in holiday brochures and on travel websites. Detectors should be available in the shops at airports and ferry terminals as well as in the travel sections of large retailers.”

Mr Dingley called for a national advertising campaign, and said advice on government websites must be delivered more forcefully.

On its website, the Foreign Office recommends those living in China should ensure their home contains a working carbon monoxide alarm. 

David Burrowes, MP for Enfield Southgate and APPCOG member, said: "I was pleased to bring the Dingley family's tragic loss to the attention of Parliament so that vital lifesaving lessons are learned.

“We are calling for action from the travel industry to make holiday and longer stay destinations safer, and for more awareness about the risks amongst the wider population, in order to empower people to protect themselves from the silent killer, both at home and abroad.

“The message must get out that when you pack for your holiday taking a Carbon Monoxide detector should be as routine as packing your toothbrush or suntan lotion.

“The reality is that unlike other travel items, a detector could be a life saver."

Ms Dingley’s former school, Dame Alice Owens in Potters Bar, has agreed to produce a presentation aimed at A-level students, warning of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

It is estimated that carbon monoxide poisoning causes 40 deaths and 200 hospitalisations in England and Wales every year.