The Frome Medical Practice, together with its patients participation group, will host an evening to encourage men to take a good look at their health next week.

MEN ALERT!, the first event of its kind in the town, will cover topics that concern men of all ages and will be held at Frome Rugby Club.

Chris Simpson, who has helped organise the event, said: "Men can expect an entertaining evening where they will learn something new about their health, find out how to maintain good health and what to do when things are not quite right.

"We would encourage them to come and hear about those sensitive issues that men are sometimes reluctant to talk about, and ask questions anonymously on our question and answer slips."

Men will also be able to try out one of the health check points to get their body mass index or to check their blood pressure. Local gyms and leisure centres will also be at the event, offering advice.

Mr Simpson said that statistics show that many men do not readily recognise the importance of monitoring their own health and are not always sure what to do when things go wrong.

Last year, figures showed that only 31 per cent of consultations for patients between the ages of 20 and 60 were men.

The recently established patients participation group is helping and advising Frome Medical Practice with the arrangements for the MEN ALERT! event, which will take place on Friday, March 12 at 7.30pm.