Local doctors are calling on residents to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of blood cancer to help improve rates of early diagnosis.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Monthand Cannock Chase Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), South East Staffordshire and Seisdon Peninsula CCG and Stafford and Surrounds CCGare joining with several national charities and other NHS organisations in raising awareness of the symptoms of blood cancer, in an attempt to improve early diagnosis rates and save lives.

People across Cannock Chase are being urged to look after each other in the hot weather, with temperatures forecast to possibly top 30 degrees centigrade this week.

The main health risks include dehydration and sunburn. Older people and infants are particularly vulnerable to becoming dehydrated, while children are particularly at risk of sunburn.