HEALTH bosses say 1,000 self-testing chlamydia kits have been returned.

In November last year, North East Essex Primary Care Trust introduced the scheme to give away free self-testing kits in a bid to tackle the spread of the sexually-transmitted disease.

Scheme leader, Jayne Overett, said one in ten of those people who have returned the kits tested positive for chlamydia, which is in line with the national profile.

She said the free and confidential programme was aimed at sexually-active people in the 15 to 25 age group She said: "In north east Essex, there are 39,500 people in the 15 to 25 age group, although not all of them are sexually active.

"It is suspected that there are thousands of cases of chlamydia in the area.

"About 30 per cent of females and about 50 per cent of males with chlamydia do not experience any symptoms and are not aware they have been infected."

She added people could choose whether to receive the results of their test by letter, phone or text.

l For more details call Jayne Overett on 01206 363003