People in Dorset are being urged to take a free hepatitis C test.

Following World Hepatitis Day on Sunday, July 28, Public Health Dorset is encouraging people to get themselves checked out for hepatitis C.

The blood-borne disease can cause potentially life threatening damage to the liver if left untreated, and half of people don't know they have it. 

A spokesperson for Public Health Dorset said: "Hepatitis C is an unusual blood-borne disease. 50 per cent of people don’t know they have it, yet left undiscovered, it can cause potentially life-threatening damage to the liver.

"Testing for Hep C is a simple finger prick test and has never been easier.

"In Dorset you can get a test for free from the Liver Nursing Team on 07557 587 512 or email liver.nursingteam@uhd.nhs.uk.

"Or you can use the NHS test at home service."

To find out more about hepatitis C or order a free home test kit visit https://hepctest.nhs.uk/