COMIC Roy Chubby Brown has backed a campaign to save lives.

The entertainer, who has been battling throat cancer, underwent an oral health screening check in Middlesbrough to promote awareness of head and neck cancers.

Nearly 7,500 people across the North-East will be diagnosed with those cancers this year, with a particular high rate expected on Teesside, caused by poor health, diet and pollution.

Roy said: "I am delighted to help to promote this vital campaign aimed at encouraging earlier treatment and saving lives.

"This is a cause close to my own heart as I was a patient myself when I was treated for throat cancer last year.''

He joined oral surgeons, nurses and health professionals at a mobile dental unit in the town.

Doctors on Teesside said early diagnosis was crucial to save lives.

Richard Wight, a head and neck surgeon at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, said: "Sadly for many, they present very late to their GP, having been aware of symptoms for a considerable length of time. This makes treatment more difficult.''