STUDENTS have been advised how to protect their sexual health.

Debra Chalmers, County Durham and Darlington Chlamydia Screening Service health advisor, and Lesley Hunter, Darlington Primary Care Trust sexual health outreach worker, visited Darlington College of Technology.

They spoke about preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and gave out testing kits for chlamydia.

One in ten young people contract the bacterial infection, which can lead to infertility in men and women later in life.

Mrs Chalmers said: "The aim is to have screening across the country by 2007 as part of a national programme. We want to make it as normal as having your blood pressure taken."

The screening service is free and confidential. Test kits can also be obtained and returned through the post.

For more details, telephone 0191-587 6016 or visit the walk-in health centre in Doctor Piper house, in King Street, Darlington, on a Friday between noon and 3pm.