A huge pilot scheme being carried out in Coventry and Warwickshire to try and detect bowel cancer is proving a big success according to health officials.

Organisers of the two-year pilot scheme, which is based in Rugby, have received their 10,000th sample for testing for the disease.

Patients aged between 50 and 69 who are registered with GPs in Coventry and Warwickshire are being asked to carry out a simple test at home and send it in by post.

The hope is that the sample of faeces can detect early signs of colorectal, or bowl cancer.

If the test shows any symptoms the patients are contacted and given further tests and any necessary treatment.

Project manger Sue Elwell said:

“We are extremely pleased with the response we have had. Colerectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK.

“Picking up and treating a cancer before the symptoms starts to show gives people a much better chance of surviving.

“Colorectal screening can’t guarantee you won’t get cancer, but it reduces your risk of dying from it.

“I would therefore urge everyone who receives a kit to complete it.”