Sexually active youngsters across the borough will be urged to be screened for chlamydia over the next few weeks.

Barnet Primary Care Trust (PCT) is sending letters to all 16 to 24-year-olds in the borough recommending that if they are sexually active, they get tested for the infection.

Chlamydia is the most commonly treated sexually transmitted disease and most people diagnosed were not aware they had been infected.

Nationally, nine per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds tested are infected with chlamydia, a rate that falls to seven per cent in the borough of Barnet.

If caught early the infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but if not treated it can cause serious health problems inclyding miscarriages and infertility.

The PCT is offering home testing kits so residents can test themselves in the privacy of their own home.

The testing packs are available at many pharmacies and GP surgeries across Barnet, or can also be requested online and sent directly to your home in discreet packaging.

For more information visit bu21.org.uk or call 0208 447 3590/3544.