POP STAR Ronan Keating is urging residents in Darlington to visit the Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Roadshow this October and make a pledge to help reduce the risk of cancer.

Visitors to the Cancer Awareness Roadshow can make a pledge setting out their plans for a healthier lifestyle – including stopping smoking or walking to work – as well as get information from nurses.

The roadshow will visit The Dolphin Centre, off Horsemarket, in Darlington, between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday, October 25, and Thursday, October 26.

The roadshow was founded in partnership with the Marie Keating Foundation set up by the Keating family in memory of his mother who died from breast cancer.

Nurses on the roadshow also provide information on how to spot cancer early.

Boyzone singer Mr Keating said: "We’re inviting visitors to our roadshow to pledge to make a change towards a healthier lifestyle – it’s all about informing and empowering people to make positive changes for their health."

Around 357,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK annually, including 43 a day in the North-East.

Debra Wright, Cancer Research UK's North-East senior cancer awareness nurse, said: "We are hoping to talk to men and women, young and old, about the small steps we can all take to reduce the risk of cancer and about why it’s important to tell their doctor if they notice any unusual or persistent changes to their body.

"Most people we speak to go away intending to make small changes to their lifestyle which can play an important role in reducing the risk of cancer."