STOCKTON Heath Pharmacy is urging under 25s in the area to get screened for chlamydia.

The chemist, based in Stockton Heath Medical Centre, is inviting anybody unsure over whether to be screened into the facility to speak to staff for advice.

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the UK, affecting both men and women.

For most people there are no symptoms and pharmacy manager Enda Bradley admits without a test it is difficult to determine whether there is an infection.

He added: "If you are under 25 and sexually active you should be screened annually for chlamydia.

"The test is painless and straightforward and you do not need to be examined – in fact you can do the test yourself.

"Under 25s can get a free test from us, in confidence, here at Stockton Heath Pharmacy.

"The testing is available during surgery opening hours, between 8.30am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, and no appointment is necessary.

"Take the first step and call in to the pharmacy today for your chlamydia screening kit and put your mind at ease."

If left untreated chlamydia can cause a variety of health problems, including infertility and long term pelvic pain.

The pharmacy is open from 7am to 10.30pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.

For further information visit www.stocktonheathpharmacies.co.uk.