A FEW places are still available for a heart screening session which could save lives of young people.

The Darwen branch of the CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young, has tested hundreds of people for heart defects over the last seven years.

The local branch of CRY was set up by two couples whose sons died young of undiagnosed heart defects.

Irene and Bill Wickers, of Darwen, and Granville and Susan Staff, of Hoddlesden, lost their sons Neil, 31, and David, 17, within a few years of each other.

Their fundraising has enabled them to buy two electro-cardiagram machines and hold a number of screening sessions locally to prevent other families going through the same heartache.

This year, 24-year-old councillor Andrew Graham, for the Sunnyhurst ward, has also booked an appointment to be screened and is urging other youngsters to join him.

Heart-screening will now take place on Saturday, June 21, at Darwen Access Point and anyone aged between 13 and 35 wishing to attend should telephone Irene Wickers 01254 707895 for an appointment.