AS VALENTINE’S Day events go, it’s certainly different. Today, a Basingstoke clinic will be part of a world record attempt for the most number of chlamydia screenings in 24 hours!

Solent NHS Trust is attempting to set the world record as part of their ‘Keep Calm, Get Tested’ screening campaign.

It is estimated that around one in 14 young people in the region have the sexually transmitted infection (STI), which can cause infertility if left untreated.

Statistics released by the trust show that half of the young people surveyed in Hampshire have said they regretted having unprotected sex, or have been too drunk to remember whether they used contraception.

Having any form of unprotected sex can put people at risk of catching chlamydia, which is the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK.

Rebecca Perrin, chlamydia lead nurse at Solent NHS Trust, said: “It is important to get tested for chlamydia, even if you have no noticeable symptoms.

“Chlamydia can go unnoticed in men and women for years and can cause long-term damage – including infertility in women - and pain if it’s not diagnosed and treated quickly.

“Despite a lack of symptoms, chlamydia is easy to detect and treat. It is important that young people understand that they can be checked for the infection for free by simply giving a urine sample and they do not have to undress or go through any physical checks, which they may be worried about.”

Screenings as part of the world record attempt will be available in Crown Heights Sexual Health Centre, Alencon Link, Basingstoke between 10am and 5pm today. For more details about getting tested, visit letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk.