FOOTBALLING rivalry was put to one side as more than 130 men took part in a prostate screening test at Ewood Park.

The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal, set up by the former Burnley FC chairman, held its first prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests at Blackburn Rovers Football Club on Saturday.

Gentlemen over the age of 40 were urged to visit the club and take part in the test which measures the amount of PSA in the blood, which can identify the risk of having the disease.

Mr Kilby set up the appeal in 2016 after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2012.

Peter Hayhurst, 66, from Darwen, who took part in the test, said he would recommend the screening to everyone he knew.

He said: “I think the idea is absolutely superb.

“It’s a quick, painless process and it’s so vital for men’s health.

“Everyone needs to get screened and tested.”

Since the appeal’s launch it has tested thousands of men and helped diagnose hundreds of them.

David Schofield, 63, also went for screening with the support of his wife, Gillian.

Mr Schofield said: “It’s a great way of getting men to get screened because it’s taking place somewhere familiar, the football club.

“A group of mates can all do it together and not feel like they are doing it on their own.

“I’m very happy I did it, it will put a lot of worry out of men’s minds.”

Mrs Schofield said: “David has always been good at putting himself forward but there will be lots of men who don’t.

“That’s why this sort of drive is so effective, I praise the idea.”

The event was organised by the appeal and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

Mr Kilby, who was chairman of Burnley FC for 13 years, said he was impressed with the turnout.

He said: “This is bigger than football. This is bigger than the East Lancashire rivalry, it’s about men’s health.

“It’s about our county’s health, we will have saved lives today because of brave men coming forward to get screened.

“The Blackburn guys have been fantastic, everyone at the club has been so great to put the event on.”

Gary Robinson, chief executive of the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, said: “In an ideal world we wouldn’t have to put these sorts of events on but sadly it’s vital that we do.

“We don’t want anyone to be diagnosed with cancer, but if it can be spotted before it spreads of develops properly then there’s a greater chance of it being treated successfully.”