WOMEN are being urged to keep their appointments for free breast cancer screening.

Three mobile screening units will be touring Hambleton and Richmondshire this year, and women aged between 50 and 70 are encouraged to have an appointment soon.

Iris Smith, cancer screening lead for Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust, said it was vital women attended.

She said: "Some women don't attend for screening because they feel anxious about the procedure or their GP does not have their correct contact details and they don't get an invitation.

"Last year more cancers than ever before were detected by the NHS Breast Screening Programme."

Women aged over 70 are encouraged to make their own appointments by calling (01904) 725590 or to contact their GP surgery for further details.