A council will make HIV testing for residents easier after it lent its backing to a national campaign.

Hertfordshire County Council is supporting the Halve It initiative - which is backed by a coalition of organisations including the Elton John Aids Foundation.

As part of the drive, increased HIV testing will be provided through GPs, pharmacies and community buildings.

The council will also be laying on a service for people to apply for a home testing kit and will continue to work alongside community groups to increase awareness about the disease.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Localism and Public Health, said: "Helping our residents to lead longer, happier lives really matters to us, which is why we are investing in sexual health services, including making it as easy as possible for people to get HIV tested.

"We know that health outcomes for people with HIV are better when they are diagnosed earlier, so it’s really important they get tested."

For more information visit sexualhealthhertfordshire.clch.nhs.uk or call Sexual Health Hertfordshire on 0300 008 5522. Information about the Halve It campaign is available at www.halveit.org.uk.