A NIGHTCLUB is to host a testing session for a sexually transmitted infection - with youngsters sent the results by text message.

The innovative screening scheme is being organised at The Gallery nightclub by health chiefs, who hope that the youth-friendly venue will encourage more young men and women to get themselves tested.

It comes after disturbing figures revealed that one in ten sexually active under-25s in York suffer from chlamydia.

Nurses from York Hospital will stage the session at the nightclub, in Clifford Street, on November 4.

Ginni Smith, lead nurse for young people's sexual health at York Hospital, said: "The worry with chlamydia is it's a sexually transmitted infection by stealth.

"Very few have any signs or symptoms that they are carrying the infection. Ultimately, the greatest concern is that if you don't get it treated, it will lead to complications. It can lead to infertility, particularly in women.

"Most women won't discover they're infertile until their thirties when they can't have a baby."

York Hospital and the primary care trust started their Yorscreen testing programme for sexually active young people three years ago.

Since then, they have screened 4,500 under-25s, of which one in ten tested positive - in line with a similar picture across Britain.

Screening sessions have taken place at a variety of places, including the University of York, but a nightclub has not been used before.

Ginni said: "It's a change of situation that's convenient for the city centre, it's not a health setting, so we're hoping there's no stigma about going into The Gallery.

"We're hoping that will help people feel comfortable. There's no stigma to chlamydia. The issue is to get people to think they'll actually go. It's free, it's easy."

The screening process involves giving a urine sample, which is tested for the infection.

Those who have the test are given a choice on how they would like to receive their results, and most prefer to find out by text message.

The bacterial infection can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.

The free, confidential service is being offered at The Gallery, from noon to 4pm on November 4. Nurses would like to see people between the ages of 16 and 25 who have been sexually active or close to it.

There will also be other health advice on offer, and free condoms.