Lung checks are now available to people in Banbury as part of an NHS scheme which is aiming to improve earlier diagnosis of lung conditions.

The Targeted Lung Health Check Programme provides current and past smokers a chance of having lung conditions detected and treated earlier.

Sara Randall, chief operating officer at Oxford University Hospitals, said: "Early diagnosis is a key part of treating lung conditions, and this programme is designed to check those most at risk of developing lung illnesses earlier, when they're much more treatable and outcomes are better.

"We're urging anyone who is contacted by the service to take part in the assessment – it doesn't take long, and any subsequent checks are quick and painless."

Eligible individuals will receive an invitation to complete a lung health check questionnaire.

Depending on the results, they may receive follow-up checks.

These checks occur in two stages, the first of which is a phone assessment by a healthcare professional.

If the assessment finds the person to be in need of further tests, they will be offered a low dose CT scan of their lungs, with any treatment needed then put in place.

Scans are currently being conducted at the Horton General Hospital, which is part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

There are plans for mobile units in to be introduced in community settings in the future.