Nearly half of Denbighshire residents are ignoring life-saving tests.

Bowel Cancer UK is partnering with Bowel Screening Wales to encourage more people living in Denbighshire to take part in the screening programme.

Currently only 53 per cent of people in the area actually take part in the "life-saving" test.

Bowel screening can detect bowel cancer at an early stage, even if people aren't showing symptoms. Catching it at this early stage means it is easier to treat and there is a greater chance of survival.

The charity wants to see everyone take up their screening offer.

If you are registered with a GP and aged 60-74, you will receive a test in the post every two years. You carry out the simple test at home in private and it comes with step by step instructions.

More than 2,200 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year in Wales and over 900 people die from the disease. I

Head of Wales for Bowel Cancer UK, Lowri Griffiths, said: “It’s quite simple, bowel screening saves lives. I would encourage everyone who’s over 60 to take the test, and for those who are younger to encourage their loved ones to complete it.

"Don’t delay or put the test off - it could save yours or your loved ones life."

For more information about bowel cancer, symptoms or the screening test, visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/screening or pop in to one of Bowel Screening Wales’ information hubs which will be in the area from October 17 to 30.