BURNLEY is to stage a pioneering conference to get men in the town talking about health issues.

Burnley FC and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust (PCT) have teamed up to organise the event predominantly aimed at young men who are less likely to seek medical advice.

The Men's Health Evening co-incides with National No Smoking Day, but visitors will also be able to get advice on issues such as mental and sexual health as well as information on asthma, drugs, diets and weight loss.

Christine Donnelly of the PCT said the event would be open to all men and free nicotine replacement therapies such as patches would be on offer.

She said: "The event is being done on the back of National No Smoking Day.

"Men are historically less likely to access services like this.

"It's statistically proven that 16 to 24-year-old men are more likely to say they want to quit smoking but are least likely to do anything about it, so the event is to raise awareness of the services on offer."

The evening at Turf Moor is on March 8 between 6pm and 9pm.

Among those taking part is the Clarets' commercial manager Anthony Fairclough, who is hoping to kick smoking into touch.

He said: "It is a great initiative and the evening is open for any men to come along with a variety of areas included."

As well as medical advice there will be a free draw which includes a pair of matchday tickets.