TWO Hereford women are highlighting the importance of county females making sure they go for regular smear tests.

Joz Mayo-Evans, 33, and Kayley Seymour, 25, both had cervical abnormalities detected when they went for their smear tests and were treated accordingly.

All women who are registered with a GP are invited for cervical screening from the age of 25 to 49 every three years, and then every five years until 64.

It's possible for women of all ages to develop cervical cancer, although the condition mainly affects sexually active women aged 30 to 45. The condition is very rare in women under 25.

Joz and Kayley are supporting the Smear for Smear week, which runs from the January 21 to the 28 by a charity called Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust.

The trust raises awareness and offers support for woman who are facing cervical cancer.

Both are volunteers for the trust and held a campaign event at the Old Market, Hereford last Saturday in the hope they can raise the attendance of women from Herefordshire to go to their smear tests. Mayor of Hereford, Jim Kenyon, supported the event.

About 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK.

Recognised symptoms associated with cervical cancer are: abnormal bleeding: during or after sexual intercourse, or between periods; post menopausal bleeding: if you are not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or have stopped it for six weeks or more; unusual vaginal discharge; discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse; and lower back pain.