A DRIVE to contain a fast-spreading sexually transmitted disease is to be launched in the region.

Young people in County Durham and Darlington will be the first in the North-East to be offered screening for chlamydia.

The infection is a growing menace in the UK and is thought to affect as many as one in ten sexually active young women.

Because it is largely symptom-free, many young women do not realise they are infected until it has damaged their chances of having children later in life.

In men, the illness can result in pain and soreness around the testicles.

The screening programme follows a successful bid by the six primary care trusts in County Durham and Darlington for £150,000 from the Department of Health.

Apart from family planning centres, hospital clinics and GP surgeries, efforts will also be made to reach young people in the community.

This will include promotions in pubs, clubs and youth venues, as well as in colleges, workplaces and universities.

County Durham is the first area in the North-East to get funds to set up screening services, although York was in the first wave two years ago.

Anna Lynch, of Easington Primary Care Trust, said the rate of chlamydia infection had almost doubled in County Durham during the past five years.

Dr Deborah Wilson, a consultant in communicable disease control with County Durham and Tees Valley Health Authority, welcomed the introduction of screening services but said prevention was the best way of tackling the chlamydia epidemic.

"Using a condom is the best way to protect yourself," she said.