A VIRUS-BEATING vaccine that could save thousands of women's lives has been welcomed by health bosses in the region.

The vaccine, which is being developed by drugs company GlaxoSmithKline, could cut women's chances of contracting cervical cancer by combating the sexually transmitted virus that triggers most cases of the disease.

Cervarix, which could be available within three years if trials are successful, could also mean the end for unpleasant smear tests.

Yesterday, the vaccine was welcomed by North health bosses.

Dr John Woodhouse, the deputy regional director of public health, said: "This is the first example where using a conventional vaccine may be an effective way of dealing with this type of cancer.

"We hope it does work, but in the meantime it is important that women continue to participate in the screening programme."

The vaccine works by combating the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is responsible for 99 per cent of cases of the disease -the second-biggest cancer killer of women.

GlaxoSmithKline has unveiled Cervarix as one of a range of new "blockbusters" it is testing, and it could be available by 2007.

Trials have shown the vaccine to be 100 per cent effective in preventing infection by the two most high-risk HPV strains.

Dr Anne Szarewski, of Cancer Research UK, who is leading the London trials, said: "This vaccine is the most exciting development in cervical cancer research."

Cervical cancer kills about 1,600 people in the UK each year. At least 50 per cent of women have been exposed to HPV, but the majority are unaware because they show no symptoms.