PLANS to extend a sexual health screening programme aimed at tackling soaring rates of sexually transmitted diseases have been unveiled.

East Lancashire Primary Care Trust wants to extend the b-sure chlamydia screening programme into all community-based sexual health and young people's sexual health services across East Lancashire from this month.

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection and approximately one in ten of under 25-year-olds tested had the disease.

Most people show no symptoms and yet the infection can lead to serious long-term consequences, including infertility.

Figures from 1995 to 2005 show chlamydia rates have rocketed by just under 600 per cent.

The screening programme consists of a simple urine test, and if positive the disease can be quickly and easily treated with antibiotics.

The test is available free and confidentially to anyone aged between 15 and 24.

Rebecca Demaine, the PCT's Strategic Manager for Sexual Health Services said: "Our plans will expand the b-sure chlamydia screening service into all community based sexual health services across the East Lancashire area.

"We also intend holding big hit' events throughout induction week at East Lancashire colleges.

"A young people-friendly marketing campaign has been developed to support the expansion of the screening programme.

The campaign will use simple, easy to understand messages to encourage young people to be more aware of chlamydia and its harmful consequences.

"The overall aim of the campaign is to bring about a change in attitude amongst young people."

The service will now be available from more than 20 sexual health and young people's sexual health centres across East Details of East Lancashire clinics are available from the b-sure team on 0845 602 0894