FREE cinema tickets are being handed out to people aged between 15 - 24 who complete a Chlamydia test in December.

NHS Hertfordshire is offering the handouts to encourage young people to get checked via a simple urine.

Jo Wilson, lead Chlamydia nurse from NHS Hertfordshire said the sexuallty transmitted infection is the most common and has no clear symptoms.

“Most people who have it won’t know they’ve got it. If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to nasty complications and could prevent you having children in the future.

“We know that people can sometimes get carried away during the Christmas party season and take risks they wouldn’t otherwise do, so it’s really important that you firstly protect yourself by using a condom and secondly, by taking a Chlamydia test,” she said.

“Getting tested is really easy, quick and discreet.

“There’s no embarrassing examination and no need to go to your doctor if you don’t want to. It’s just a simple urine test and you’ll receive your result back within a fortnight. If the test shows you have Chlamydia, don’t worry, as it can be treated with a single dose of antibiotics.

“It’s important that all young people take a Chlamydia test once a year and we hope that this offer of a trip to the big screen will encourage as many people as possible to get themselves screened and will help stop Chlamydia becoming more prevalent.”