HEART-THROB Ronan Keating is urging people in Bolton to visit a special mobile cancer awareness bus which will be visiting the tow .

The Irish pop star, who lost his mother Marie to cancer, has added his backing, and that of the Marie Keating Foundation, to the Cancer Research UK unit which will be sited at Asda in Astley Bridge.

The bus, which will be staffed by a nurse, will feature a range of information focusing on ways in which people can cut down on their risk of cancer by making simple life changes.

Ronan Keating said: "My mum died eight years ago from cancer and I believe that if she had been more aware of the warning signs she could still be here now.

"The statistics show that one in three of us will be diagnosed at some stage with cancer, therefore it's vital we all know how we can reduce our risk and look after ourselves. I hope this information unit will encourage people to make small changes that could save lives."

The Marie Keating Foundation was formed in 2001 by Ronan and members of his family after his mother lost her battle against cancer aged just 51.

The unit will be in Bolton on June 8 and 9.

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK's director of cancer information, said: "Our research shows that there is a knowledge gap and the majority of people are still not clear on how they can reduce their risk of cancer, for example by increasing the amount of exercise they do, or giving up smoking.

"Prevention is definitely better than a cure and by taking this information directly to people and making it more accessible we hope it'll mean that more people take it on board."