A mechanic from a St Albans garage is organising a charity event in the city to raise awareness of cancer.

Nigel Bell is trying to make men more aware that it is not just women that suffer from breast cancer - and he has organised a Wear It Pink day.

Mr Bell, who works at Prestige Performance Ltd, a garage in Hatfield Road, will be hosting the event on October 23.

The 45-year-old from Hertford said both his and his wife’s family has been affected by cancer.

He said: “My dad died from cancer three years ago on October 22 and I thought holding it on breast cancer awareness would be fitting.

“Also in my wife’s family there are a lot of people who have either suffered from breast cancer or died from it.

“But most importantly it is about raising awareness to men especially to check themselves as they to can get it.”

Although it is rare, around 350 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK compared to the 50,000 women.

Mr Bell added: “In men, prostate cancer or testicular cancer is more common, but they still need to check themselves and spot the early signs.

“My wife is a radiographer and she always says that she finds men don’t check themselves as much as women.

“So this will be a great day to publicise this terrible disease and to highlight preventative measures.”

Mr Bell, who also lost his grandad to cancer, said this will be the first big fundraising event he has done in a while - 25 years ago he jumped out of a plane to raise money for cancer research.

He added that his colleagues are all up for taking part and they have organised to decorate the workplace with pink buntings, balloons and there will be cupcakes on offer for customers to enjoy. There will also be a collection box.