Recently, when I've finished cooking and switch the hob off, I get a brief smell of gas. So much so, that on several occastion, I've actually checked the dials to make sure that I've switched them off properly. What could this be? I think the cooker is a good few years old, is it dangerous and do I need to replace? I have a gas alarm in my kitchen and it's never gone off, as I said, the smell is faint and lasts only a minute after turning off the hob, but I'm worried in case it gets worse.

Ms Kaz, January 2010

Gas is usually a safe and easy way to heat your house but it can also be potentially dangerous if a leak occurs or an appliance is faulty.

If you smell gas or think that you may have a gas leak somewhere then you should call Transco Gas Emergencies line straight away. Open your windows and doors to let air in, make sure all gas appliances are turned off and turn the gas off at the mains if possible. Do not turn lights on or off and avoid using other electrical switches and appliances as this could trigger an explosion. Do not smoke, light a match or any other naked flame.

Do not try and investigate the problem or attempt to fix a leak or a faulty appliance.

National Grid Gas Emergencies (Formally Transco Gas ) - 0800 111 999 (This is a 24 hour emergency line)

Brian L, January 2010