MEN in the Potteries who have stable prostate cancer can now benefit from a new service.

From now on, men who have stable prostate cancer, which is managed through medication, no longer have to travel to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for their regular check-ups.

Instead, about 400 men who could benefit from the service, can now have their follow-up appointment at Hanley Health Centre in Upper Huntbach Street. It means they can have their regular reviews, tests and a review of their medication in Hanley, rather than travelling to the hospital.

To begin with, clinic sessions will be held on Thursday afternoons. If successful, the clinics could be extended to other locations throughout the city and if there is enough demand clinics could also take place in Hanley on a Saturday.

Dr Ruth Chambers, one of the doctors who has advocated the scheme, said: "A lot of work has been done to get this service off the ground. For some men Hanley will be more accessible and more central than having to travel to the hospital."