A SAILOR from Burnley has stripped off to lend his support to a breast cancer awareness campaign.

Marine Ross Inglis, who serves in the 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group, boarded HMS Montrose to encourage his Royal Navy colleagues to check themselves out.

He was helping promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Day, despite being stationed thousands of miles away in the Gulf region.

The 20-year-old was given a helping hand by Medical Assistant Donia Lindo, whose message to fellow servicemen and women was: “Feel your boobies.”

She spent time on the ship talking to personnel about the dangers of breast cancer and the methods that should be used to check for onset of the disease.

She highlighted symptoms and treatments available and took time to emphasise the message that, if caught early, the disease can be treated successfully.

MA Lindo, 26, said: “I am pleased with the interest from ship’s company regarding breast cancer awareness and was surprised that so many male crew members were unaware they can be affected too.”

Lieutenant Commander Kate Duncan, Medical Officer Surgeon, commended the campaign. She said: “MA Lindo has done a great job of emphasising the importance of a regular breast check. Hopefully the ‘touch, look, check’ message has got out there.

“The more men and women who are ‘breast aware’, the better. Catching the disease early improves your chances of beating it.”