KICK cancer out of town was the message from marchers in one County Durham community on Saturday.

Dozens of residents gathered outside the Newgate Centre, in Bishop Auckland, to take part in the special march against prostate cancer.

Organised by Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland, Joy Allen, both young and old alike came out in force to show their support.

The march was officially opened by resident and leader of Durham County Council, John Lethbridge, before being led by Durham County Councillor for Coundon, Charlie Kay.

Holding placards, banners and wearing special t-shirts, marchers chanted to kick cancer out of town and that they wanted a healthy town.

Interests was certainly peeked by shoppers and business owners who came out of their shops to cheer the marcher on.

Many of the businesses were also involved in the day and each chose a different cancer 'colour' to decorate their premises in and encourage customers to get checked.

On the march was one-year-old Henry Lawson, who was joined by his family including grandad John Cowley, 69, who has cancer himself.

Henry's mother, Emily Cowley, said: "It's lovely to see everyone out and give great support."

Mark Solan, of the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust, was one of several partner organisations who also offered support on the day.

He said: "It's good to come along and show our support and there's lots of organisations trying to increase awareness."

Ms Goodman added: "I think it's a really good initiative because the whole point is to raise awareness and the earlier people get tested the easier it is to treat. We might just be saving someone's life from today."

Cllr Allen, who lost her father to prostate cancer and spoke ahead of a short church service, thanked everyone for coming.

She said: "Bishop Auckland is in the bottom ten in the county for taking up free screening. I lost my father because by the time he was diagnosed with prostate cancer it was secondary and he only had a short space of time to live but we can change that between fathers, mothers, daughters and sons to take up our free screening and Bishop Auckland is going to be a healthy town."