CAB drivers across Wirral are being offered free health checks as part of Men's Health Week this month.

Hackney and private hire drivers are being invited to a drive-in health assessment on Thursday, June 14, at Birkenhead Fire Station in Exmouth Street between 10am and noon, and also between 6pm and 7.30pm.

They can pick and mix from a variety of health checks, including blood pressure. They can also get free advice on diet, smoking, stress and exercise opportunities.

Sessions are drop-in so there's no need for appointments. Free parking is available nearby.

The event - aimed at all ages - is being organised by Wirral Primary Care Trust's Health and Wellbeing Team to encourage cab drivers to be more pro-active about their health.

Joint Director of Public Health Jane Harvey said: "We understand that because of the sedentary nature of the job, cab drivers have less opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle.

"We know their income is reliant on a fully working cab so we're offering health MOTs as something a little bit different to encourage them to look after their bodies too.

"We are delighted that Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has agreed to help us with a central location, which can be easily accessed by busy drivers."

According to the Men's Health Forum, which exists to improve men's health in England and Wales, 1 in 3 people in the UK live with a long-term medical condition and a significant proportion of that number are men.

However, men are increasingly unlikely to visit a doctor or engage with other health services and health promotion campaigns often fail to take account of the need for gender-sensitivity' in reaching male audiences.

Men are often unaware that they are living with a chronic condition. An estimated 3% of men aged 35 and over have undiagnosed diabetes and many men also live with long-term mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.

More than 30,000 men in the UK are diagnosed each year with prostate cancer, many of whom live with it for many years with or without treatment.

Jane Harvey added: "It's hoped that any cab driver who finds a spare 15 minutes between fares will invest the time in visiting this event. It could be a life-saver."