YOUNG people in Tavistock are being urged to pick up home tests for a common sexually transmitted disease from their local pharmacy.

Free self-test chlamydia kits are now available to people aged between 16 and 24 from the pharmacy at Morrisons on Plymouth Road.

Beccy Lyons, NHS Devon's chlamydia screening coordinator, said: 'We know young people are not always keen to discuss their sexual health with a pharmacist or health worker so they can now pick one up from our pink and blue bins.

'The chlamydia test is simple – all you have to do is take away the kit, fill in the attached form, and post it back free post.

'You can choose how you'd like to receive your results — either by SMS text or email — all in complete confidence.

'Chlamydia is a growing problem for young people but it can be easily treated through a short course of antibiotics, available free for under 25s through the NHS.'

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the UK and if left untreated can cause back pain and can lead to infertility in women.

It is easily passed from one person to another through unprotected sex (including oral sex).

Young people can also be screened for chlamydia at their local GP practice, minor injuries unit or online at http://www.checkinitout.co.uk">www.checkinitout.co.uk