DURHAM University students are to be offered free testing for the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia.

The screening programme on Friday will be part of a specially designated student health week.

There has been a significant increase in cases of chlamydia - sometimes known as the silent infection because no symptoms may be apparent - which can lead to infertility in women.

Last year, cases in the North-East increased by eight per cent, pushing the region to the second-highest affected area in the country.

Now the chlamydia screening programme for County Durham is to offer free testing to students.

The screening team, in partnership with the sexual health team from Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust's health promotion department, will be offering testing packs to students under the age of 25.

The non-invasive tests will be available for both men and women in the university's Students Union on Friday, between 10am and 3.30pm.

Students will be able to take a simple urine test or there is an optional self-taken swab for women. The screening programme will also provide treatment and help is given to notify people's partners if necessary.

Doctors in the region recently urged people to practice safe sex after a steep rise in the number of people infected with sexually transmitted diseases.

Much of the increase in the North-East was accounted for by newly-diagnosed cases of chlamydia and syphilis.

Lynn Wilson, the chlamydia screening programme manager for Durham and Darlington, said yesterday: "Studies have shown that there is low public awareness regarding chlamydia and the associated possibility of symptom-free onward transmission to partners.''

Urging as many students as possible to take advantage of the free screening service, she said chlamydia was the most common curable sexually transmitted infection in people under 25.

About one in ten young people have the infection.

She added: "Most people do not have symptoms and may not know they have it, which means that a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed for years.

"Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics.''