A LEADING community champion has backed a new health drive aimed at protecting women against cervical cancer.

Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has launched a major campaign to encourage women aged between 25 and 64 to attend their smear, and remove barriers to access.

One Voice Blackburn, a Community Interest Company that aspires to create an inclusive, cohesive and vibrant community in Blackburn with Darwen, has backed the campaign.

Nisbah Hussain, director of One Voice Blackburn, urged women to attend their screening appointments and reduce their risk of cervical cancer.

She said: "We are thrilled to be supporting the Cervical Cancer campaign. Regular cervical screening is the most effective way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer."

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under and can be prevented and the best way to do this is to attend a smear when invited.