NEW do-it-yourself testing kits are being launched for young adults in Dorset in an effort to drive down the county's chlamydia rate.

Almost 2,000 youngsters have been screened in the last year and an alarming seven per cent tested positive for the sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Figures reveal in rural parts of the county more than 25 per cent of them have tested positive.

Now the Dorset Sexual Health team is releasing the new postal kit - dubbed Not For Virgins - to give youngsters better access to free testing.

Weymouth Community Hospital sexual health matron Barry Alborough said around 2,600 young people in the county could be unaware they have chlamydia.

"Dorset is an area known for its lively, youthful social life," he said. "But recently we have seen an alarming increase in STIs in young people, with chlamydia being the most common.

"In the past we have had difficulty reaching young people in the more remote areas of Dorset, compared to Bovington and Weymouth where we do screen large numbers of young adults.

"The new free postal kits, branded Not For Virgins, will mean under-25s in these regional areas have better access to being tested for Chlamydia."

Mr Alborough said the test was simple, painless, confidential and free for all 16-24-year-olds.

He said the do-it-yourself tests - which could be carried out at home - consisted of a urine sample for men and a self-taken swab for women. They are posted to the Dorset Sexual Health team clinic and the results are shared only with the patient.

Mr Alborough said a young man from Shaftesbury, where there is a 26 per cent incident rate for chlamydia, recently carried out a test.

"He is a typical teenager who enjoys partying on weekends and having a number of partners in the bedroom," he said.

"Although he practised safe sex most of the time', he admitted after a few drinks he isn't always vigilant about wearing a condom. After being persuaded by a friend to be tested, he was shocked to hear that he had Chlamydia because he had no physical problems.

"Indeed, if we hadn't identified the problem he may have gone on to infect future partners."

Chlamydia - which can have serious effects including infertility in women - is often referred to as the silent epidemic'.

At least half of infected men and 70 per cent of infected women do not have any symptoms - meaning a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed. Mr Alborough added: "It's increasingly important that sexually active young adults are tested regularly and use condoms."

A special Dorset Sexual Health team van will be touring the county from tomorrow to mark the launch of the Not For Virgins testing kit.

It will visit areas including Weymouth, Littlemoor, Portland, Dorchester and Lyme Regis during the four-day campaign.

To obtain a kit, visit the website www.chlamydiascreendorset.co.uk.