Men were urged to go along to Healthworks, in Paradise Lane, Easington Colliery, today to find out about prostate cancer.

The event highlighted symptoms that often go undetected but which can go on to kill 10,000 men every year in the UK.

Free health checks were also offered at the event along with blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugars, weight and BMI measurements.

The information day was hosted by Macmillian Cancer Information and Support Service, in partnership with the County Durham Primary Care Trust's Primary Care Trust.

Karl Hansen, the PCT's nurse specialist for men's health, said: "All men need to know about prostate cancer and take a greater interest in their general health.

"Raising awareness is crucial if we are to effectively tackle the disease."

A spokeswoman for the PCT said that prostate cancer is known as the "silent killer" because many men do not get symptoms and not everyone has the same tell-tale signs.

Most common signs are problems with urinating, lower back, hip or thigh pain or impotence.

The major risk factors for prostate cancer are increasing age, especially past 50, a family history of the disease, a high fat diet and being of African or African Caribbean origin.

And it has been revealed that men are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if their father, brother or son has been diagnosed.

Mr Hansen added: "Early detection and diagnosis can improve a man's chances of being successfully treated for prostate cancer, raising awareness of the disease and break down the taboos surrounding the disease.

"It will also help those men who have been diagnosed feel more supported and not alone in their battle against cancer."