RELUCTANT patients are being encouraged to attend a health screening day - which might just save their lives.

More than 20 organisations and medical professionals will be at the event at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, home of Colchester United.

The free event has been organised by the men's health charity CHAPS.

Event organiser urologist Prof Chris Booth, who is the lead clinician for the charity, said: “Men are notoriously bad at seeking medical attention and far too many die prematurely and unnecessarily because they don’t go to their doctors routinely.

"Early detection of prostate cancer, testicular cancer or heart disease can quite literally mean the difference between life and death.”

Organisers are urging men of all ages, but especially those aged over 50 who are at higher risk of developing life-threatening conditions, to attend.

The event, on Thursday March 27, runs from 10am to 4pm.