FAMILY and friends of a 23-year-old who died from cervical cancer have collected more than 11,000 signatures on a petition calling for smear tests to be offered to the under-25s.

A campaign started in memory of Claire Allan, pictured, could be handed in at 10 Downing Street at the end of the month.

The mother-of-two from Cross Heath died in August, 14 months after being diagnosed with the disease.

She was told she had cancer three months after giving birth to her second daughter in March 2008.

And parents Michele and Clive Brackley started a campaign in January to have the cervical screening age reduced from 25 to 20.

Friends and relatives have organised market stalls in Newcastle town centre and Hanley Market, and asked people to sign the Claire's Wish Back To 20 petition.

They will be at Vale Park at the end of the month and are planning to take their petition to Downing Street.

Claire, who lived with partner Mike McGovern, aged 24, and daughters Megan, now aged six, and 22-month-old Millie-May, in Hassam Avenue, Newcastle, had asked a GP for a smear test, but was told she was too young.

And Michele believes her daughter could be alive today if she had been checked.

The 43-year-old said: "I'm pleased with how the campaign is going and to get 10,000 signatures is great.

"We're just hoping more people will get behind us and support the campaign."

Michele and Clive will be collecting signatures, with help from friends and relatives, at Vale Park on Saturday, April 24 between 10am and 4pm.