FREE mouth cancer checks and advice are being offered at events in Keighley.

The initiative is being staged by Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust's oral health team, as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month.

Free dental information and toothbrushes will also be on offer.

Early diagnosis has been shown to boost chances of beating mouth cancer by between 50 and 90 per cent.

Nadiya Suida, clinical director with the care trust's community dental service, says: "Potential signs include a mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, or unusual lumps or swellings in your mouth or head and neck area.

"It’s important to be aware of any changes occurring inside your mouth, and get checked out.

"Statistics show men over 55 are particularly at risk, especially if they smoke and drink, but mouth cancer can affect anyone."

The Keighley events are taking place at the Airedale Shopping Centre on Tuesday, November 14, from 11am to 3pm, and at the Eden Community Association Warm Space Women's Group, on the first floor of the civic centre, on Tuesday, November 21, from 11am to noon.

For more details, call 01274 259084/259085 or email ohp@bdct.nhs.uk